Keighley police have made an average of five arrests a day over the past three months in a battle against drugs and anti-social behaviour.

More than 26 suspects have been held for possessing drugs and 35 arrested and charged by Keighley Neighbour-hood Policing Team (NPT) in connection with violent crimes. NPT officers have also supported operations to close down two drugs factories.

A zero-tolerance approach to disorder in the town centre has seen troublemakers and drunks banned from the area for up to two days.

Hundreds of fliers have been delivered to householders to make them aware of police contact details and patrols have spent time talking to residents. Keighley’s Pub Watch scheme has also been revamped.

Sergeant Andy Simpson, of Keighley NPT, said his team was keen to maintain and build on what had been achieved.

He said: “From regular meetings with residents and from speaking to people on the streets, we have been able to keep up to date on what their concerns are and, as these arrests demonstrate, take action to show we are addressing them.

“It has been a busy few months and this is something we are looking to continue, to drive home the message that drunken anti-social behaviour and drug abuse will not be tolerated by our residents nor by us.”

He said the town centre banning orders and rejuvenation of Pub Watch had been highly effective. “We have always had a very good relationship with our licensees and I want to thank them for their co-operation and willingness to work with us,” he said.

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