UK police have launched a new operation that involves inviting members of the public along to police raids in an attempt to crack down on Manchester's drug-related crime.
The high-profile tactic, dubbed Operation Audacious, has seen 150 locals invited along to watch police squads as they raid the homes of suspected drug dealers.
“It was amazing being up at the stadium and seeing all those officers and all those great community people from across Manchester coming out because they care enough to be out and see what the police are doing,” local resident and Labour Councillor Mary Murphy told the BBC.
Operation Audacious has also seen police put seized cars of drug dealers on display, a move which has prompted many to label the operation a publicity stunt.
But police have dismissed such calls.
“We've had 70 plus arrests today. That's a pretty significant number,” says Councillor Paul Murphy of the Greater Manchester Police Authority.
“If that's publicity, I mean some of these people won't be home for Christmas.”
Police say they will now examine the results of the operation to see whether it is a sustainable tactic for the future.
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