Month-long operation on the Great Thornton Street estate in Hull reaps rewards

Over the past four weeks Humberside Police have been targeting cross-border drug dealers and violence on the Great Thornton Street estate in Hull.

During this time, work done by officers has resulted in 35 people being arrested, and five Misuse of Drugs Act warrants being executed. £30,000 worth of Class A and B controlled drugs, £30,000 in cash, and numerous bladed weapons have also been recovered. 

Intelligence received from the community suggested ‘cuckooing’ by drugs gangs was taking place. This is when drug dealers take over the premises of a vulnerable person and deal drugs from there.

There were 246 questionnaires completed which highlighted community concerns in the area’s tower blocks. The main issues raised were around anti-social behaviour, drugs and the overall ‘feel’ of the area. 

Officers carried out 64 hours of highly visible foot patrols and community engagement. Residents were invited to speak directly with police towards the end of the four weeks to respond to how they felt the operation had gone. Residents said they felt a real impact in terms of how well the police had dealt with the issues. 

The policing team are now setting up two neighbourhood networks and are working closely with Hull City Council to resolve the issues in and around Great Thornton Street, which have historically made the blocks vulnerable to anti-social behaviour and criminality.

Detective Inspector John Symes said: “This operation has been a great success targeting the criminals who seek to exploit the most vulnerable in society. 

“This will not be tolerated and we will continue to work closely with the community and partners to ensure the vulnerable are safeguarded and bring those responsible for crimes against them to justice.  

“I would thank the local community for the information they provided. We were able to quickly act on it and I would also ask that their information and intelligence doesn’t stop here.

“Anyone with details or suspicions about criminal activity should contact 101 for non-emergency calls or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”