POLICE have made five arrests during a two-day blitz to improve life for people in Almondbury.

Many complaints have been made about crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.

And officers have revealed that good quality information about villains and troublemakers has been given to them through Crimestoppers.

They arrested the five people in the area yesterday on suspicion of offences ranging from assault, racially-aggravated public order and criminal damage, to drugs possession.

Police patrols have been targeting anti-social behaviour hotspots.

They were joined by several organisations working in the area yesterday and today.

Council departments have been getting rid of graffiti and removing dumped rubbish while the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has been targeting untaxed cars.

Police have been riding on buses and also carrying out truancy patrols challenging youngsters who should be in school.

Officials from Kirklees Youth Services have been out and about telling young people hanging around on the streets about the kind of pastimes and sports available to them.

The blitz has also involved the Kirklees Drug Interventions Programme which aims to get people off drugs, the probation service, Kirklees Council's housing department, Kirklees councillors and neighbourhood wardens.

Sgt Nicola Brown from the Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "We have been acting on information that has come through Crimestoppers that has produced some good quality intelligence.

"Complaints have been made direct to the police and to Kirklees Anti-Social Behaviour Unit."

Chief Insp Keith Hallas, Neighbourhood Policing Team commander for Kirklees, added: "The purpose of this operation is to target a specific area in Kirklees and address the issues relating to crime and anti-social behaviour with our key partners.

"I am confident we can make a difference and the efforts of all will provide reassurance to the community.

"This initiative with the support of the councillors and our local community will help improve the general environment for everyone."

West Yorkshire Fire Service has also been involved in the project, offering free home safety checks to residents.

* Anyone with information about crime and anti-social behaviour should contact Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.