Singleton East

Drug dealing.

Officers have been acting on information provided by the public about suspected drug-related activity in the local community. As a result of this work, more than 200 cannabis plants were seized from three separate locations across Washford and Singleton West. Search warrants were carried out at the addresses, leading to the discovery and seizure of the cannabis plants. A search warrant is a legal document authorised by a court that allows police to search a property for evidence linked to suspected criminal activity.

In a separate investigation, an individual was arrested and charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and cocaine in the Beaver area. The suspect was remanded in custody pending further court proceedings.

Officers will continue to act on information provided by residents, carry out intelligence-led enquiries and work with partner agencies to identify offenders, disrupt drug-related crime and help keep local neighbourhoods safe.

Road safety issues.

Officers have carried out targeted days of action and road safety operations in response to concerns raised by local residents about driving offences and road safety. These operations have included speed checks and enforcement activity against offences linked to the Fatal Four – the four behaviours most commonly associated with people being killed or seriously injured on the roads: speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, failing to wear a seatbelt, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

As part of this activity, officers issued tickets for offences including speeding and not wearing a seatbelt, while several vehicles were seized after being found to have no valid insurance. Through a combination of enforcement, education and community engagement, officers continue to target the issues that matter most to local residents and work to improve road safety for all road users.

Antisocial behaviour - nuisance.

Officers have carried out regular high-visibility foot patrols in areas identified as hotspots for antisocial behaviour, including Singleton Lakes, while also attending community meetings and speaking with local residents to address concerns. Antisocial behaviour includes actions that cause nuisance, alarm or distress to others, such as vandalism, disorderly behaviour and damage to property.

As part of this work, a young person was arrested after being found in possession of a catapult following reports of criminal damage in the Stanhope area. Another young person was issued with a Community Protection Warning (CPW), a formal warning used to address behaviour that is having a negative impact on the community. The warning included a requirement not to carry catapults or other projectiles. Two further individuals were also issued with Community Protection Warnings following incidents of antisocial behaviour at the Singleton Centre.

Officers continue to work closely with residents, businesses and partner agencies to address antisocial behaviour, identify those responsible and take appropriate action to help keep the community safe.