CANNABIS, class A drugs, dangerous weapons and thousands of pounds of suspected stolen property were seized in a day of police action.

About 60 officers were involved in city-wide raids yesterday as part of Operation Maelstrom, which saw nine people arrested.

The raids, in Clifton, Tang Hall and Acomb, saw police seize:

• 195 mobile phones from a single property

• A motorbike

• Six mountain bikes

• Power tools

• An axe

• A cross bow

• Class A drugs

• Cannabis and cultivation equipment from an attic of a house.

Operation Maelstrom, which has been running in the city since earlier this year and will continue over coming months, is part of North Yorkshire Police’s force-wide Operation Drystone, which aims to cut down on offending which affects the quality of life for residents.

Inspector Mark Gee, one of the officers heading the operation, said Maelstrom concentrated on criminals profiting from crime.

He said: “It has been months in the making. In the day of action, we found a number of people who have been caught committing a number of crimes.

“Something like a stolen bike may seem like a small crime, but it is not. These are items that people have gone out and bought with hard-earned cash.”

He said: “The message to criminals is simple. If you decide to steal something we will pursue it. A car, a drill, a bike; we will hunt it down and we will bring charges against you. You will be receiving a knock on the door.”

Deputy Chief Constable Adam Briggs added: “Our officers are dedicated to putting a stop to criminals who are benefiting from their crimes at the expense of others.”

The day of action saw:

• A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicious of theft of a pedal cycle. He has been bailed.

• A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing class A drugs. He remains in custody.

• A 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. He remains in custody.

• A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft of a cycle. He remains in custody.

• A 20-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion on possessing Class B drugs. She remains in custody.

• A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion on possessing Class B drugs. He remains in custody.

• A 33-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of theft of a cycle. She remains in custody.

• A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft of a cycle. He remains in custody.

• A 17-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft. He remains in custody.