CAR crime, drug abuse, nuisance behaviour were just some of the problems tackled when Gwent Police teamed up with the local council to clean up two housing estates.

Operation Misanthropic was staged in parts of Risca and Newbridge last month, and involved dog handlers, the traffic department, Caerphilly council officers and trading standards.

The aim was to end residents' concerns on the Ty-sign and Pantside estates - where there has been an increase in problems, particularly anti-social behaviour.

In April and May there had been more than 340 reported nuisance crimes in the Ty-sign area of Risca, and the Pantside estate in Newbridge was also suffering, with police receiving reports of general disorder.

But speaking after the crackdown a spokesman for the top of Pantside Residents Association welcomed the changes.

He added: "I think it gives the public more confidence if they see the police around.

"We are well aware of the problems and we support the police in what they are trying to do."

Inspector Roger Fortey said: "I am delighted that we have been able to have such an impact on crime and disorder in both the areas of Ty-sign and Pantside during this successful operation.

"I hope we have gone some way to reinforce our community style policing in this area but while doing so have demonstrated an element of zero tolerance to the minority of residents who continue to commit criminal activities and display anti-social behaviour.

"This operation has shown the values of working in a partnership approach with the local authority together with a range of policing departments.

"I would like to point out that this style of operations are far from unique within the area.

"I will continue to address the fears and concerns of the local residents by policing them in a community style and dealing proactively where ever possible to continue to tackle levels of crime and anti-social problems.

"I would like to thank the residents in both areas for their support about out policing activities in the area which makes a vast difference in the effectiveness of day-to-day policing."

Caerphilly council's trading standards department has been warning retailers in the Caerphilly county borough of their intention to carry out checks on the sale of alcohol to underage drinkers.

Senior trading standards officer Jacqui Morgan said that nine out of 33 premises across the county borough were caught selling alcohol to a 14 or 15-year-old since April.

She added that Gwent Police had specifically asked for the Risca area to be targeted as part of the operation - and last Friday three out of seven premises sold alcohol to underage persons, including white wine and vodka.