The following is a local policing update for the Rural Flegg Villages neighbourhood
Weekly crime summary 17 January 2017
Operation Gravity update – further arrests and partnership working
Operation Gravity enquiries remain a top priority for Norfolk Police with two more men arrested on Sunday afternoon as part of our campaign against drug dealing in the county.
At around 4pm, intelligence gathered as part of Operation Gravity led officers to a suspicious vehicle in the Brazengate area of Norwich. However, when approached by a marked police car it failed to stop at the scene.
A short while later two men were arrested in connection with the incident. The first man, in his early 30s from the London area, was arrested on suspicion of offences including burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of Class B drugs (cannabis) and possession of bladed article. The second, a Norwich man in his late 30s, was arrested on suspicion of offences including driving under the influence of drugs, failing to stop driving when directed, dangerous driving, possession of Class A drugs (cocaine) and burglary.
T/Chief Superintendent Dave Marshall, Norfolk’s County Policing Commander, welcomed the arrest, saying: “We will take any opportunity we have to target people who we believe are involved in drug dealing in our county. Intelligence forms a significant part of our operation and this type of action is only possible if we are made aware of any suspicious behaviour. These arrests show how much local communities working with us is key to successfully tackling this type of criminality.”
As Operation Gravity gains momentum across the county, Norfolk Constabulary is continuing to pull forces with partner agencies to target drug dealing.
Housing providers, including Flagship Group, have been working jointly with Norfolk Constabulary to identify households which are at risk of exploitation by criminals involved in the use of and distribution of illegal drugs.
Flagship’s Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Officers have been undertaking door to door visits to speak with witnesses who have come forward with information. The work has been a combination of ASB officers speaking with tenants, as well as joint visits with the police. The ASB officers have provided support and reassurance to potentially vulnerable victims. This early intervention can prevent people from becoming victims of crime.
Any information obtained has then been shared with Norfolk Constabulary and as a result officers have started to take action against people identified as potential criminals.
Ritch Bartlett, ASB Officer for Flagship said: “The multi-agency approach has been very successful so far. We have been working closely with the police as well as a number of other local agencies to gather and share intelligence. We find that sometimes people feel more comfortable speaking with us rather than other organisations, as there is the familiarity. We support the police during their investigations and have an important role to play.”
Chief Superintendent Dave Marshall said: “Our work with partner agencies is essential in making Operation Gravity a success. This is not just a police matter and we cannot go in with enforcement alone.
“This multi-agency working, including our work with housing, will enable us to identify individuals at risk, as well as those involved in drug related criminal activity and will be key in breaking the cycle from drug use, to drug dealing and other crimes.”
We want to reassure communities that any information they submit will be treated in confidence and that you are keeping your community safer by telling us what you know about drug activity.
If you suspect drug dealing in your neighbourhood it may look like:
- Groups of people coming and going from an address at all times of the day and night
- The discarding of Class A paraphernalia such as syringes and cellophane
- General anti-social behaviour without any other explanation
If you want to remain completely anonymous you can report any information to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. They will not take any personal details and your phone number cannot be traced.
Further news, appeals and information can also be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.norfolk.police.uk