QUICK, to-the-point and devoid of emotion, the pre-raid briefing is clearly work-a-day stuff for Sergeant Jim Mason.

Deadpan, he goes through the drill: "Expect up to six crack-cocaine addicts and drug dealers in a terraced house, a barricaded door, oh, and a large, nasty, dog."

Nothing unusual for the armoured police officers of the Cleveland force, as they prepare to launch their latest crackdown on crime, codenamed Operation Vulcan.

Come Monday's raid, carried out in South Bank, there is the same professional approach, which, to an outsider, seems almost laid back.

Then the operation bursts into action. A convoy of police cars and vans screech to a halt, and armoured officers pile out; hydraulic equipment forces the barricaded door with a loud crack; officers charge into the house, to be greeted by startled cries.

Then, almost in the next breath, it's back to the slow and meticulous job of searches and interviews, the vital task of finding the evidence that will turn tip-off into convictions.

Drug-taking paraphernalia is found. A man is arrested in connection with timber found at the back of a property, suspected of being stolen. A women is arrested on suspicion of possessing crack cocaine.

Det Supt Tommy Stoddard had earlier explained that Vulcan, named after the Roman god of fire, involved officers from every department of Langbaurgh police.

All criminal activity across East Cleveland, from Customs and Excise follow-ups to DVLA Vehicle Inspectorate tip-offs, to parents of truant children, will be put under the spotlight.

Earlier eight warrants had been executed in the South Bank area for a number of crimes.

Police will continue to raid homes in search of wrongdoing, moving on to other areas of East Cleveland and pledging to target a dealer a day across the district for a month.

"It's been a good start," said Detective Inspector Michael Wall, "and we can promise more of the same. We will continue to hit criminals hard, disrupting their activities wherever and whenever possible."

Cleveland Police can be contacted on (01642) 326326 and Langbaurgh Crime Squad's confidential hotline is 0800 0929702.