Drugs, firearms and cash found

EIGHT people from Royston were arrested after police raided homes on Monday, finding drug factories, firearms, stolen goods and cash.

Cannabis factories were found at addresses in Yeats Close and Swinburne Close, while four males were arrested on suspicion of possessing a taser.

Cocaine and over �10,000 in cash was also seized, as 30 police officers, including Royston Safer Neighbourhoods Team and dog units raided the homes.

The addresses targeted were in Willowside Way, Yeats Close, Swinburne Close, Chiltern Road, Lindsay Close and Layston Park.

A 20 year old man, a 26 year old man, a 27 year old man and a 16 year old boy were all arrested on suspicion of possessing the taser, while a 49 year old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing criminal property and possessing cannabis.

A 25 year old man was arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis, and a 21 year old woman was arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possessing stolen property. A 21 year old woman was arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.

The arrested people are all from Royston and have all been bailed until February 2, 14 and 16th, 2011.

During the raids, notice boards were placed in the street to let neighbours know what was happening, and leaflets will be distributed to homes to keep residents updated on the situation.

North Herts Chief Inspector Neil Ballard said: “We are sending out a very clear and strong message that we will not tolerate people who think they can deal drugs or commit crime in Royston.

“We are committed to targeting and disrupting persons who are involved in drugs or other criminal activity and continue to urge members of the public to work with the police in their fight against crime and report any criminal or suspicious activity.

“The public are our eyes and ears and we would continue to ask people to contact their Safer Neighbourhood officers – you can find their details on www.herts.police.uk or by calling the police non-emergency number 0845 33 00 222.

“You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or send an anonymous message via the internet on www.herts.police.uk.

“Your call or message, combined with behind the scenes police activity, leads to successful arrests and more criminals off our streets.”