ANTI-social behaviour and youth crime in Ross-on-Wye along with criminal activity in general has been the focus of local police.

In a statement, West Mercia Police said that as a result of information provided by the local community, combined with ongoing enquiries, three young people have been arrested in connection with a number of offences in town.

It added: “These three currently remain on police bail while investigations continue. As part of their bail conditions, they must abide by strict curfew times.

“We are working with partner agencies to address the wider issues contributing to this increase in anti-social behaviour.

“We are also considering a range of measures, including injunctions and criminal behaviour orders to help prevent further offending.

“While we are unable to disclose the identity of those involved, or potential outcomes, a positive approach is being taken.

“The information provided by local people has been vital in helping us progress these investigations. We’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to report incidents and share information with us.”

The statement went on to say that drug dealing in a known area of town had become a significant problem, after which officers from Ross have since been working closely with residents to develop evidence and target those involved.

“This work has resulted in a number of significant arrests,” the statement added. On October 1, two people were arrested on suspicion of offences relating to the supply of Class A drugs; possession of a Class B drug and possession of criminal property (cash).”

Approximately £4,000 worth of drugs were located in Ross. One person has since been charged with various drug offences and is due to appear before a judge at crown court in due course.

Further proactive policing has resulted in the arrest of three people at the beginning of this month led to the arrest of three more individuals in connection with the supply of Class A drugs.

During the operation, police officers recovered weapons, a quantity of cash and approximately £11,000 worth of Class A drugs.

All three individuals have since been charged and court proceedings are now ongoing with one of the three being recalled to prison for contravening the terms of the individual’s release on license in the community.

The statement concludes: “These arrests demonstrates the value of the community continuing to report information, no matter how small it may seem.

“Work carried out by the Ross-on-Wye Safety Neighbourhood team, proactive CID and partner agencies and local residents, continues to pay an important role in catching the harm caused by certain individuals.

“If you have information about suspected drug activity, please continue to report it to the police via the website or via Crimestoppers.”

The police commented on Operation Snare, which focuses on combatting hare coursing and poaching and said that a few incidents had been reported locally and added: “Thankfully these are not at the same levels seen in previous years, but officers remain alert to incidents across the county.”