POLICE last night warned drug dealers and users they were targeting them after the first of a series of raids planned in Witney.

Officers raided a property in Lowell Close on Wednesday after anonymous tip-offs about drug dealing.

And while they only recovered a stolen bicycle and suspected paraphenalia, police said it was the first in a long line of drugs busts planned for the town.

Sgt Dave Bishop said people in the town had been increasingly complaining about antisocial behaviour and officers believed much of it was drugs-fuelled.

Officers smashed down the door of the house, while others wearing protective clothing and armed with riot shields rushed in.

Inside, surfaces were swabbed and a spoon covered in a brown substance was sent off for further analysis.

Police community support officers visited nearby flats and homes to reassure residents about what was happening.

Sgt Bishop said: “Antisocial behaviour can take many forms, with drug taking and drug dealing two of the biggest problems. We will be targetting it in all its forms.

“The important point about raids like this is it allows us to disrupt antisocial behaviour. We might not find anything, but we make our presence felt.

“We will certainly be issuing more warrants in Witney in the future.”

He added: “In this case, there certainly is a suggestion that drugs have been used within the property, and intelligence gathered from neighbours also points in that direction.

“Forensic tests are now being undertaken.”

A man who witnessed the raid said: “There has been a lot of trouble in this area for some time now and it’s good to see the police are finally doing something about it.”

Pc Lara Parker, who co-ordinated Operation Jesting, said: “We issued the warrant after information was passed to us by the community.

“I would like to stress to people to get in contact with us and let us know what’s going on. “ Sgt Bishop added: “Communities are our best allies, because they know what is going on in the area.

“People shouldn’t have to live next door to antisocial behaviour.”

A 33-year-old man arrested on suspicion of theft has been bailed until November 12.

Anyone with information can police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.