POLICE have carried out nine major raids in nine days as they continue to wage war on serious crime across Inverclyde.

Officers smashed their way into a town centre property in Greenock yesterday morning before pouncing on a second home in the culmination of a crackdown to tackle offences ranging from drug dealing to serious disorder.

The string of raids came as a result of information from members of the public.

In one recent swoop, a team of officers descended upon a group of men within a lane in Larkfield just 20 minutes after receiving a tip-off.

It followed a community police initiative to encourage locals to speak out against drug dealing in Oxford Road and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Police received a call from a member of the public and immediately went into action.

They recovered around 100 bags of drugs and illegal substances with a street value running into four figures.

One person was arrested and reported to the procurator fiscal.

Chief Inspector Debbie Reilly says results like these show that police and communities can work together to tackle crime.

She said: "Every one of these searches is linked to information coming directly from members of the public.

"If people tell us about their concerns, we will act strongly and swiftly.

"These results are proof that telling us what is going on will lead to positive action."

In yesterday's raids, teams of specialist officers equipped with battering rams and riot shields forced entry to a flat in lower Ann Street.

After an extensive search two men were detained and a quantity of what is understood to be controlled drugs was recovered.

Police also searched another property in the town, the location of which cannot be revealed due to operational reasons, where another male was detained.

Ch Insp Reilly added: "People deserve to feel safe in the streets where they live.

"Inverclyde has its issues, but we are working hard to tackle these and make it a better place for everyone.

"I have been extremely encouraged by the information we are receiving from the public and I'm determined to show them that we are listening.

"People are sick to the back teeth of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour ruining lives and their neighbourhoods.

"Drug dealers don't care - but we do.

"If they work with us, we will get results for them."

To report any suspicious activity call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.