POLICE and Malvern Hills District Council joined forces for a day of action to highlight how they are working together to protect communities.

More than 30 officers from Malvern’s Safer Neighbourhood Team took part, along with special constables, members of force operations and members of the council’s civil enforcement and street scene teams.

About 50 vehicles were stopped, and a 29-year-old woman from Worcester was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, and a 44-year-old man from Malvern was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Insurance and parking-related offences were also picked up, while council officers carried out checks to ensure motorists carrying trade waste had the proper licence. Information packs were handed out to several drivers making them aware of their obligations under the law.

The team also visited Hanley Castle, Dyson Perrins and Chase schools to carry out bike marking, with 35 bikes marked with a special code and registered on a national database.

A new CCTV camera was also installed in Upton to provide increased coverage in the town.

Joint patrols were also carried out around schools by police and civil enforcement officers to monitor parking issues including abuse of the blue badge scheme.

The day of action was the result of the formation of a new Safeguarding Tactical group, which brings a number of key organisations together across the district to co-ordinate activity aimed at keeping communities safe. Following the success of the day, similar events are planned for the future.

Chris Mair, chair of South Worcestershire Police Independent Advisory Group, said: “At the heart of the day was the desire to display a high-profile, physical presence and a reassurance to all sections of the public. Also key was the desire in this first event to develop partnership working - both within the police and with safety and enforcement teams within Malvern Hills District Council - and I believe this was achieved."

Cllr Bronwen Behan, responsible for community safety on the council, said: “The day of action was an excellent example of how we are all working in partnership to tackle the issues that matter to our residents and keep our communities safe.”