POLICE have made a number of arrests after smashing their way into a property to execute a drugs warrant.

Dramatic footage shared by Essex Police shows a team smashing through the front door of a house, in Stour Close, Dovercourt, on Monday morning.

The force’s Operational Support Group, working on intelligence gathered from Tendring’s community policing team, helped officers carry out the raid.

Chief Insp Russ Cole, Tendring district commander, said more raids were planned for the town over the coming weeks.

He hopes further footage of such operations will show drug gangs operating in the district that the police are never far away.

“The reason we shared the video is this is an example of the community policing team working on local intelligence, and shows the value of people telling us what goes on,” he said.

“There was a dedicated team of one inspector, two sergeants and nine PCs looking at that intelligence.

“If people think they can easily sell and supply drugs in the community, think again.

“We seized some Class A and Class B drugs, made a number of arrests and several people are on bail.

“This investigation was solely led by the community policing team.”

Mr Cole also suggested there may be a link between an increase of petty thefts and shed break-ins across Harwich and the way drug gangs operate.

“It may well link with the increase of sheds being broken into,” he said.

“It seems these dealers think it is a good idea to supply drugs to young people and involve them.

“Relatively vulnerable people are being exploited, they are given drugs and money in exchange for using their houses to supply drugs.

“They are preying on the vulnerable community.

“If they think they are doing this under the radar in a small place like Harwich or Manningtree, we gather more intelligence here in Tendring then anyw here in Essex.

“If anyone feels they are being exploited into doing something and they’re not sure how to break away, contact us via the website or Crimestoppers.

“This is not just about arresting those responsible,” added Mr Cole.

“We are looking at taking down the network which is driving it.”

Anyone with information about drug dealing is asked to call Essex Police on 101.