IN a sweeping crackdown on a crime-ridden area near Glasgow, police evicted a squatter, seized drugs and stolen parcels. 

Cops in Lanarkshire have blitzed the Craigneuk neighbourhood of Wishaw in recent days following concern about the levels of illegal activity there. 

We told previously how police were also exploring tactics to prevent crime from happening and were taking a "zero-tolerance" approach to anti-social behaviour. 

In an update to the public today, Lanarkshire Police Division told how they had evicted a man who was squatting in a home in Gateside Road in the past week. He will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal, police said. 

In a separate incident, a Volkswagen Golf was reported stolen from the town's Caledonia Road, Wednesday, August 11. A man - who police said was drunk - was stopped in the motor and arrested in connection with the alleged theft, drinking driving and other road traffic offences. 

Elsewhere, Class B drugs were seized from a home in Hillcrest Avenue along with a four-figure sum of cash on Friday, August 13. A 25-year-old man has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

And a house in Lauren Drive was raided alongside officers from North Lanarkshire Council. A large number of stolen parcels were found which police say are to be reunited with their rightful owners. 

Inspector Alan Mullholland said: "We continue to work closely with our partners to make Craigneuk a safer place to live. We are invested in the local people whose lives are being blighted by criminal activity.

"I am appealing to everyone in Craigneuk to tell us about the real issues you are facing and this can be done through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously. You can also contact your local community officers on 101 or discuss with officers who are in the area responding to your concerns.”