Drugs success leads police to encourage more tip-offs
Monday, 26th September 2011.
Police have urged anyone who has suspicions that there may be drug activity going on in their street to report it, in the wake of a successful prosecution resulting from such a tip-off.
A 29-year-old man has been convicted of the production of cannabis after five plants were found in his home on the Chalkstone estate.
Residents living nearby had contacted police because they had seen activity in the street which might be drug-dealing.
Police executed a warrant at the man's home and seized the cannabis plants.
Sgt Sarah Bartley of Haverhill Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "This shows it does work. It was totally as a result of what people in the area were seeing, which they reported to us.
"We would urge anyone else who sees anything similar to get in touch."
She said the police action had disrupted what was going on and they would now be working with Havebury Housing, who owned the house, when there are any other reports.
The police have achieved three crackhouse closure orders in the last year or two and Sgt Bartley said this had been very effective.
"I think it has had a massive impact on this town," she said. "It sent such a strong message out - that you can lose your home. We would consider using that again at any time."
She said residents giving them a tip-off need not fear reprisals because it could be done completely anonymously.
Police would have to seek out some sort of corroboration, but then a warrant can be gained and executed, and no evidence is required in court from the initial informant, so complete anonymity can be maintained.
"It's not just the drugs, but the anti-social behaviour which often goes along with it," said Sgt Bartley. "If anti-social behaviour is affecting your quality of life, please get in touch."
A 29-year-old man has been convicted of the production of cannabis after five plants were found in his home on the Chalkstone estate.
Residents living nearby had contacted police because they had seen activity in the street which might be drug-dealing.
Police executed a warrant at the man's home and seized the cannabis plants.
Sgt Sarah Bartley of Haverhill Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "This shows it does work. It was totally as a result of what people in the area were seeing, which they reported to us.
"We would urge anyone else who sees anything similar to get in touch."
She said the police action had disrupted what was going on and they would now be working with Havebury Housing, who owned the house, when there are any other reports.
The police have achieved three crackhouse closure orders in the last year or two and Sgt Bartley said this had been very effective.
"I think it has had a massive impact on this town," she said. "It sent such a strong message out - that you can lose your home. We would consider using that again at any time."
She said residents giving them a tip-off need not fear reprisals because it could be done completely anonymously.
Police would have to seek out some sort of corroboration, but then a warrant can be gained and executed, and no evidence is required in court from the initial informant, so complete anonymity can be maintained.
"It's not just the drugs, but the anti-social behaviour which often goes along with it," said Sgt Bartley. "If anti-social behaviour is affecting your quality of life, please get in touch."
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