Neighbourhood Team tackling community issues on the Avenues

Hull West Neighbourhood Policing Team deployed a new range of tactics this week for a high visibility drugs dog operation in the city.

Community Beat Manager for the Avenue Ward PC Phil Williamson, leading the activity on Wednesday 29 September, said: “As the community beat manager, I am committed to understanding what people in our area want, and tackling the issues they raise. 

“Reports of drug use and supply in the area have increased. This can lead to increased levels of crime and impacts the community as a whole. I hope this sends a message to those involved in the supply and use of drugs that it won’t be tolerated and continues to be a priority for the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

“This is a new way of working when it comes to policing this specific area of the ward, with a particular focus on drug possession and use. We know there is a link between the use and supply of Class A drugs and other crimes, so we are always looking for new ways to tackle this problem.”

The operation on Wednesday saw PCs, PCSOs and Special Constables patrolling key routes through the city following a passive drugs dog. It is a high visibility way of identifying people who may be supplying or carrying drugs.

“On Wednesday we carried out 16 stop and searches and we made three seizures of drugs, including an amount of amphetamines and cannabis. We also issued two cautions and reported one person for summons.”

In addition to identifying and searching individuals that officers believed to be in possession of or supplying drugs, the operation also helped with intelligence gathering.

PC Williamson was pleased with the positive response from the public: “We have already had some great comments from the community since the operation, with comments on social media welcoming such activity. This is fantastic to see and will help us develop moving ahead.

“We pride ourselves on being a community focused organisation. The concerns of the local community drive our priorities and, as we have shown through the commitment to knock on every door in our area through our HumberTalking initiative, this shows that we use that information provided by the local community to target those engaging in criminal behaviour. 

“None of it would have been possible without the dedication of everyone involved, so a big thank you to all those who participated in the week.

“I am incredibly proud of the work that the team has done in playing their part in the week and I am confident that these results have already made our streets safer”.

If you are concerned about drug-related crime in your area, speak to your local team or call our non-emergency 101 line. If you would rather not give your name, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

To receive regular updates about this and other actions within your area, you can subscribe to My Community Alerts here.

Alternatively, to keep up to date with activities in your local area, you can view the social media pages and website here.