RESIDENTS are being asked to work with police as part of a new campaign aimed at catching drug dealers.

Officers say community-based information is vital for getting the evidence needed to secure warrants to carry out raids on suspected drug dens.

Over 100 perspex posters have been placed around Blackburn urging people to use a special hotline to shop those dealing drugs.

The Stop the Dealers campaign is being run in connection with the Drugs Advisory Group, which offers support and counselling to those with drug abuse problems.

Sergeant Abid Khan, of Blackburn police, said: "There are two ways we can get a warrant.

“One is following a person's arrest and the other is by applying to the magistrates.

“For a magistrate to grant a warrant we need to show evidence of potential drug dealing and the best evidence is from those who live near the dealer, whose lives are being blighted by what is going on in their neighbourhood."

In the past three months, five magistrates warrants have been executed at properties in Blackburn Street, Clarendon Road, Laburnum Road and two in Dunsop Street.

Sgt Khan said: "When we went to the house on Blackburn Street the neighbours came out and thanked us for taking action. It does take time for us to secure a warrant, which is why we need as mush information as possible from those in the community.

"We won't tolerate drug dealing in Blackburn. With the help of the public, drug dealers should be expecting a very firm knock on the door from us."

Hanif Ali, of the Drug Action Group, said: "Over the years I have been alarmed by the number of people dealing drugs. To those people, I would say that their behaviour is ruining lives.

"DAG can help people with drug problems. There is access and support for them. The community must support the police. If they have concerns they must report them to officers."

The Stop the Dealers phoneline number is 01254 353111 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.