TODAY will see the launch of a community action day as part of the drive to rid Southampton of drugs and association crime.

A number of organisations and businesses are staging events over the next few days to support the work of Operation Fortress the campaign being led by Hampshire police.

Detective Superintendent Kath Barnes said: “It’s so fantastic to see so many people and groups getting involved and using the Operation Fortress brand to help raise awareness of the issues.

“Hampshire Constabulary has dedicated a lot of resources to restricting the supply of drugs in Southampton with some excellent results, most recently last week’s series of co-ordinated warrants.”

Today will see a crime reduction project being staged in Meredith towers, Thornhill, while advice and events with students warning about the dangers of drugs are also being held around the city.

Friday, September 27 Street Crime Reduction and Environment Day (CRED) Meredith Towers, Thornhilll Southampton City Council Community Safety team and Hampshire Constabulary Safer Neighbourhoods teams working together to talk to residents about their concerns and demonstrate that they are taking a firm line on tackling drug activity in the city as part of Operation Fortress.

Society of St James and Richard Taunton Sixth Form College Richard Taunton Sixth Form College, Hill Lane Members of the Society of St James will be speaking to students about legal highs and psychoactive substances.

Safe in Sound Freshers events University of Southampton and Southampton Solent University The Southampton Voluntary Services Safe in Sound outreach project for young people in the city will be at events at both universities where volunteers will talk about the risks associated with drug use and the links to Operation Fortress.

Young Carers discussion groups The Southampton Voluntary Services Young Carers project will be talking in their group sessions with young people about drugs and being aware of suspicious activity in the community.

Tuesday, October 1 Operation Fortress and Itchen Sixth Form College Itchen Sixth Form College, Bitterne Operation Fortress champion Jenny Chase joins members of the Rewind project to talk to students at Itchen Sixth Form College. The afternoon will look at issues including current drugs legislation, legal highs and recent associated deaths, Jenny’s personal story of how drug use affected her son and the devastation taking drugs can cause to family and friends.

Thursday, October 3 Operation Fortress and Woodlands college Woodlands, Harefield Operation Fortress partnership co-ordinator Inspector Clare Jenkins will be at a parents evening event for years 9, 10 and 11. She will talk to parents about the campaign and offer and advice on what to do if they’re concerned their children might be using drugs.

Concerned about drug dealing or drug-related crime where you live? Worried about yours or a loved-one's drug use? Want to get involved with Operation Fortress? Visit hampshire.police.uk for more information.