Police ‘send a message’ to drug dealers with dog patrol

ON PATROL: Police on Princes Avenue, west Hull

Police are hoping to “send a message” to drug dealers by deploying high visibility sniffer dog patrols.

Reports of drug use and dealing have increased in areas of west Hull in recent weeks, promoting the local neighbourhood policing team to adopt a new tactic.

Officers patrolled key routes in the Avenues area of the city with a drugs dog this week. They carried out 16 stop and searches, made three seizures of drugs including amphetamines and cannabis, issued two cautions and reported one individual for summons to court.

PC Phil Williamson, Community Beat Manager for the Avenue Ward, said: “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 involved PCs, PCSOs and Special Constables. In addition to identifying and searching individuals who officers believed to be in possession of or supplying drugs, PC Williamson said it also helped with intelligence gathering.

“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,” he said.

“We pride ourselves on being a community-focused organisation. The concerns of the local community drive our priorities.

“I am confident that these results have already made our streets safer”.

Anyone concerned about drug-related crime in their area should contact their local policing team or call the non-emergency 101 line. Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.