A new police operation has been launched to reduce county lines drug dealing, violence and exploitation in south Warwickshire.

Warwickshire Police's 'Project Reduce' has been promoted by a local increase in cases and associated reports of violence.

County lines is where groups travel from cities to smaller locations to sell drugs, challenging the local market and often exploiting vulnerable people in the process.

This often leads to violence and use of local properties acquired by force or coercion (referred to as 'cuckooing') for a base for illegal activities.

To combat this, Project Reduce will see officers patrolling hotspot areas, carrying out warrants, providing reassurance and proactively targeting individuals known to be involved in county lines.

They will also seek to educate people about the dangers of county lines as well as the wider issues it can affect.

In addition, Project Reduce aims to ensure both children and vulnerable individuals who are exploited as part of the county lines model are safeguarded while engaging with the local community and encouraging them to report any suspicious activity.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Reader said that reducing county lines dealing "remains a priority" for Warwickshire Police.

"With Project Reduce," he said, "we are looking to be robust in tackling, disrupting and dismantling county lines drug supply activities.

"Not only will we continue to work with our partners to pursue and prosecute those who bring drugs into our county, commit violence and exploit vulnerable members of our communities but also we will carry out thorough investigations and ensure those who are involved are brought to justice."

DCI Reader has also encouraged residents who are suspicious that a property is being used to sell drugs, or that someone is getting involved in dealing, to contract the police.

This can be done by calling 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.

He added: "We appreciate it's not always easy to come forward but we all have a duty to keep our communities and our streets safe and we're asking everyone to play their part in our ongoing bid to drive down the levels of county lines across south Warwickshire."

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