Four areas have been designated "High Crack Areas"

Operation Eightfold has been launched following a government announcement that the Reading and Wokingham area is officially a "High Crack Area" (HCA).

Police claim that up to 70% of the area's crime is committed by those with Class A drug dependencies.

Some 50 crack houses have been closed down in the last 18 months.

Three other Thames Valley Police areas have been named as HCAs - Oxford, Slough and Wycombe.

Superintendent Richard Bennett, head of crime and operations, said: "We would rather not be in the position where we have been named an area which suffers from the scourge of crack cocaine, because of the impact it has on communities and crime.

"But being named an HCA will give us the opportunity to work closer with our partners, especially the residents who are so badly affected by crack cocaine and its effects."