MORE THAN 60 people were arrested during a Gwent Police enforcement operation organised as part of ‘Not in My Neighbourhood Week 2009’.

The week which ran from November 2 until yesterday aimed to promote and showcase what is being done locally to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

The project was funded by £30,000 seized from criminals in Gwent under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

During the operation, which involved 100 officers, 24 search warrants were executed resulting in 17 arrests for offences of possession or possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs, burglary and handling stolen goods.

Of those arrested five were charged, five were released on bail pending further enquiries and seven were cautioned.

A further 42 people were arrested for offences including theft, possession of a bladed article, assault, criminal damage, burglary and vehicle crime. Of these, 15 were charged, 14 were released on police pending further enquiries, eight were cautioned and five were released without charge.

A further three people were arrested on warrant and detained for court.

In addition a further seven offenders were traced and dealt with by other means.

Head of Gwent CID, Detective Chief Superintendent Ray Wise said: “I hope this is the first of a number of initiatives which helps to reduce crime, detect crime and increases our capacity to respond to concerns highlighted by our communities in Gwent.”