POLICE and other agencies are stamping down on organised crime and reassuring residents in Wrexham.

A programme of initiatives began yesterday and is set to continue into next week to help residents in Caia Park after five arrests of suspected drug dealers in Operation Loot.

The operation is hoping to disrupt the supply of Class A drugs in the Caia Park area while also helping victims of the criminals who sell drugs to turn their lives around.

Various agencies are involved in the project, including Wrexham Council, North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue, Wrexham Community Strategy, AVOW, CAIS and Kaleidoscope.

Chief Inspector Mark Williams said: "We're trying to fill a gap in the market to help those affected by drugs get help from the support services available.

"At the same time we're having a community clean up with skips and removing graffiti to make the area look and feel a bit better.

"We're giving people the reassurance that we are taking them seriously."

There will be a mobile police unit on the Whitegate Industrial Estate as well as patrols around Caia Park, crime prevention and home safety advice, street briefings and a council leaflet drop.

In a letter to local residents, Lee Robinson, executive director at Wrexham Council said: "I am writing to reassure you that Wrexham County Borough Council, the police and your registered Housing Providers are constantly working together with other agencies and the community to try and prevent and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Often we know that crimes are being committed but unfortunately the police don't have enough evidence to actually convict anyone.

"We recognise that some local people might have information about who these criminals are and what they are doing but may be frightened about coming forward and telling us what they know.

"However, without your help, it is difficult for the police and other agencies to take action.

"We are appealing to you that if you know anything; whether it is a specific incident or about crime in general, to please report it."