POLICE made four arrests after a successful series of early morning raids in Sidmouth this week.

POLICE made four arrests after a successful series of early morning raids in Sidmouth this week. A total of 40 officers took part in raids on properties in Salters Meadow, Lawn Vista and Baker Close on Wednesday morning on warrants issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act. The officers, including two specialist teams from the Tactical Aid Group and members of the Sidmouth, Seaton and Honiton neighbourhood teams, were briefed at a location in Newton Poppleford at 7am, before being deployed to the three properties. At Lawn Vista, a man was arrested on suspicion of drugs offences after the raid uncovered drugs and drug paraphernalia in the property. Officers searching a house in Salters Meadow arrested three men for offences relating to drugs and theft and a man was given a warning for possessing a small amount of cannabis at the Bakers Close property. Sergeant Andy Turner, of Sidmouth Police, said: "This has been planned for several weeks now and it falls in line with the tough stance we have made very public on the misuse of drugs in Sidmouth. This is the second day of a new year and these are the first of many addresses that will be targeted throughout 2008. "We are keen to speak to anybody who has information on anyone involved in the drug supply network in Sidmouth. It's clear from inquiries that we've made for this job and others that drug supply attracts an element of people who create anti-social behaviour in and around the area. "We don't want people to just sit back and hope it will go away. It will escalate and get worse so, if you are suspicious of people in your road coming and going or only spending a few minutes in a property, let us know and we can deal with it. "PC Simon Blythe came from the area training unit with two brand new officers who completed their training in December. This was their first day on the streets. "Some of the officers taking part today are usually office bound, but it's good for us and good for them that they can quite easily put on a uniform and help out. "There was an average of just over 12 officers in each address and that sent out a clear message to the people in those properties." Anyone who wishes to report any suspicious activity can contact Sidmouth Police on 08452 777444.