POLICE swooped on a Leominster neighbourhood to stage a high-profile public relations offensive aimed at deterring residents from buying stolen goods, writes PETE BLENCH.

The sale of stolen items for cash is funding drugs use police officers stressed as they launched a countywide 'We Don't Buy Crime' roadshow.

Officers spent two days door knocking at 286 homes in the Ridgemoor Road and Mallards area of Leominster, where they spoke to residents at 211 homes - three-quarters of the households in the neighbourhood. Buying stolen goods was a crime which can carry a prison sentence of up to 14 years, police warned.

"We were delighted with the results of the roadshow and, over the two day period, all officers reported that they were well received by residents," said Inspector Sheila Thornes.

"People were really pleased to see the high profile activity and expressed their support for the 'We Don't Buy Crime' initiative. We had no negative feedback whatsoever.

"In particular children in the locality showed an interest in what was going on, talking to officers and keen to find out more."

She said Leominster had proved a huge success at the launch of the work to spread an important message across the county.

Roadshow organiser Sgt Phil Edwards said: "It is important that people who buy stolen property know where their money goes. A high percentage of crime is committed in order to sell on the proceeds to fund drugs.''

He added: "Stolen goods are often moved on through car boot sales, in residential areas door-to-door, in pubs and on noticeboards in the local shop or workplace."