Pubdate: Fri, 08 Jul 2005
Source: Midweek News (UK)
Copyright: 2005, Trinity Mirror Plc.
Contact:  http://icberkshire.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0400bracknell/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2839
Author: Steve Still

POLICE PILE ON THE PRESSURE IN 'BLOCK 42' DRUGS WAR

POLICE are tightening the screws on drug dealers operating in of a 
troubled Southcote estate after launching a fourth raid on Granville 
Road in just a few weeks.

Uniformed and plain clothes police swooped on block 38 and escorted a 
man from the building last Wednesday afternoon.

It follows an early morning raid on the same block a week earlier 
when nine officers surrounded the building before bursting through 
the front door and seizing their suspect.

A 56-year-old technician, who witnessed the latest incident, said: 
"Two officers went in and another waited by the door. Then they came 
out with this bloke. He looked like one of the men they picked up here before.

"Another copper went up to block 42. It's rife with drugs here. Most 
of them don't live here, they're supposed to be coming from Tilehurst."

Police are concentrating on the area where there was also a brutal 
daylight stabbing earlier this year.

New area beat officer Rob Lewis has been getting to know the 
Southcote area and has dropped leaflets encouraging residents to get 
in touch with him.

PC Lewis is also planning surgeries in the next few weeks. he said: 
"Granville Road has had a reputation for quite some time and we're 
keen to take action to improve the quality of life for people there.

"If residents keep giving us information then we want to show we will 
act on it."
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MAP posted-by: Beth