ABOUT 60 police officers raided premises in and around Malvern today in one of the biggest policing operations seen in the town for some time.

Four people were arrested in Operation Obelisk, described by police as being designed to disrupt criminal activity of individuals who cause the communities of South Worcestershire most harm.

Three men and a woman were arrested on suspicion of theft and drug offences and are were being held in custody for questioning. A fifth person was cautioned for drug possession.

A quantity of what is believed to be Class A drugs, a motorbike believed to be stolen and cash were seized during the operation.

The operation, aimed as those committing drugs, handling and theft offences, included simultaneous raids on six addresses in and around the town.

Officers assembled in the town first thing in the morning for a briefing before setting out for their various targets.

Community support officers and dog handlers were among those taking part alongside other members from various units of the West Mercia and Warwickshire Force.

Temporary Detective Sergeant Wayne Cashion told the team the Operation Obelisk was a safer neighbourhood team day of action aimed at a group which was suspected of numerous offences including burglaries of premises in rural areas, thefts of quad bikes and other high-value items and theft of catalytic converters.

Among the operation's aims were to disrupt and deter criminal activity and gather evidence.

One of the premises raided was a semi-detached house in Atyeo Close, off Langland Avenue. Police officers arrived at around 9.30am and made a thorough search of the house, garden and the car outside.

Neighbours peered through curtains, some of them taking photographs, at the activity taking place in the cul-de-sac.

At Blackmore Park, two large police vans were parked at a small residential site in a lane off the B4208, almost opposite the Three Counties Showground. Officers using long sticks went through ditches and gullies around the site while police searched premises and vehicles.

The suspected stolen motorbike was uncovered at premises in Ramsons Way, Malvern.

DS Cashion said “This is an excellent example of how we are continuing to crack down on these types of offences. It is about sending a clear and precise message to those involved in crime and the community at large that if we receive information about criminality we will act upon it.”