IT is a city notoriously blighted by crime.

For years, life in the South African city of Cape Town has been marred by drug-related gang violence.

In just one suburb in one year there were 86 murders and 51 arrests – but none was solved.

But police from the crime-ridden city are taking tips from their counterparts right here in Hampshire to try to combat the problem.

Police chiefs have visited the force training HQ in Netley to see how Hampshire has been battling drug-related violence through its Daily Echo-backed Operation Fortress campaign.

Detective Superintendent Kath Barnes said: “We gave them a presentation about Operation Fortress and they asked to meet again via teleconference to talk in more detail about the operating model.

“They told us about the problems in Cape Town, with its high murder rate, many of which are linked to drugs, gangs and guns.

“As we’ve seen in Southampton, when you have that level of violence and fear among your communities, it makes the public very wary of cooperating with the authorities.”

The conference gave the Operation Fortress team the opportunity to explain why the campaign was set up and what it has been doing since, including the vital work officers have been involved in alongside partners such as council and health organisations and drug charities.

As previously reported, the Operation Fortress team carried out its biggest ever day of action under the campaign, with more than 250 officers flooding the streets of the city.

Twenty-two people were arrested during the operation in September, when more than 17 addresses across the city centre were raided as part of the concerted push to rid the city of drug-dealers and related violent crime.

Det Supt Barnes added: “We painted a picture about what all partners in the campaign have been doing to support Operation Fortress.

“The South African delegates were very enthusiastic about replicating a similar model and were particularly interested in the work we’ve done on information-sharing, talking more closely with one another and reaching agreements on strategic aims and common goals.

“While I’m pleased that we’ve been making inroads into making the Southampton area a safer place, hearing about the problems they face in Cape Town is a reminder that we have to continue doing what we’re doing and not become complacent and remember that we’re far stronger when we work together.”