Stepping up the battle on drug dealing in Yeovil

POLICE in Yeovil and South Somerset have launched a new drive to tackle drug dealing and associated crime in the area.

Officers will be stepping up patrols in the coming weeks and are asking the local community to support their work by providing them with information.

Inspector Jackie Gold said: "Community intelligence is a key part of our work and I would ask anyone with any concerns in their local area to report them to us."

The neighbourhood teams plan to work with local pubs and nightclubs making use of the drugs itemiser. This is a device which can detect traces of drugs from hand swabs in a matter of seconds.

Officers will also be visiting local schools and colleges to educate young people and raise awareness around the dangers of drugs and new so-called 'legal highs.'

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens recently allocated additional money to fund more drugs testing equipment in custody facilities across the force area. This will not only allow officers to identify more offenders but will enable them to offer treatment if needed.

Anyone who is arrested on suspicion of crimes such as burglary, robbery or theft from a motor vehicle will be automatically drugs tested in custody.

Inspector Gold said: "Somerset remains a safe place to live but we know there is a small minority intent on causing problems for law abiding people. Drugs can have a devastating impact on our local communities and we are determined to bring those that supply and use them in our area to justice."

Anyone with any information can contact the team by calling 101 or you can pass information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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