Stanhope

Drug dealing.

Officers have been acting on information provided by members of the public about suspected drug-related activity within the local community. This proactive approach has resulted in the seizure of more than 200 cannabis plants across three separate locations in Washford and Singleton West. Search warrants were executed at the addresses, and footage from these operations has been shared through Kent Police's media channels to demonstrate the action being taken against drug-related crime. 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 crack cocaine in the Beaver area. The suspect was remanded in custody pending 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 criminal activity 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 targeting 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 work, officers have issued tickets for offences including speeding and not wearing a seatbelt, while several vehicles have been seized after being found to have no valid insurance. Through a combination of enforcement, education and community engagement, officers continue to address the road safety issues that matter most to local residents and help keep roads safe for everyone.

Antisocial behaviour - nuisance.

There have been regular high-visibility foot patrols in areas identified as hotspots for antisocial behaviour, including Singleton Lakes. Officers have also attended community engagement events and worked closely with local residents to address concerns and provide reassurance. 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 condition prohibiting the possession of catapults and other projectiles. Two further individuals were also issued with Community Protection Warnings following incidents of antisocial behaviour at the Singleton Centre.

Officers will continue to carry out proactive patrols, engage with local residents and work with partner agencies to address antisocial behaviour, identify those responsible and take appropriate action to help keep the community safe.