PEOPLE suspected of violence, dealing in drugs and stealing cars are behind bars following dawn raids by police.

Police investigating offences ranging from bodily harm, wounding and indecent assault to the supply of Class A drugs and car crime, swooped on 14 people in the early hours of this morning.

The raids were the first to be carried out in a new crackdown on crime in the North Worcestershire division of West Mercia police, covering Wyre Forest, Bromsgrove and Redditch.

Det Insp Stacey Williamson said the arrests were a culmination of several weeks of intelligence gathering and forensic examinations as part of Operation Acorn.

"By carrying out these operations, we want to send a clear message to the victims that we're on their side and will not tolerate this type of crime," she said.

More than 50 officers worked together to target suspects, who are now being questioned at Redditch and Kidderminster police stations.

"There will be people within our community who know that these crimes are happening, and may have nothing to do with them at all," added Det Insp Williamson.

"I would ask them to contact us and share their information, they can either speak directly to us, or they can call Crimestoppers anonymously.

"Rewards can be offered by Crimestoppers for information leading to the arrest and charge of people involved in crime."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Kidderminster police on 01562 826095 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.