YEOVIL NEWS: Day of action tackling the war on drugs

POLICE have made several arrests and seized drugs, weapons and cash during a proactive 24 hours of action tackling drugs in Yeovil.

Officers from the local Beat Team, assisted by colleagues from the police’s Operations Department, have been targeting drug dealing in the town undertaking both high-visibility patrols and plain clothes operations.

A search warrant was executed yesterday (Thursday, April 14, 2016) under the Misuse of Drugs Warrant on the Wyndham Park Estate, Yeovil, where a female was dealt with in relation to possession of cannabis.

C/Insp Tim Coombe said: “We have received really positive feedback from the community in relation to the drugs warrant.

“It’s never nice living in and around people who are drug dealing. We don’t under estimate the impact on local residents and the anti-social behaviour that often comes with it.

“There are sometimes tell-tale signs – a steady flow of visitors to a particular property at all times of the day and night for example. People waiting in cars outside exchanging small packets or cash or even visitors bringing items such as T.V's or bikes and leaving empty handed. If you see it, report it.”

Today (Friday, April 15, 2016) officers stopped a car in North East Yeovil. Drugs, both class A and B, cash, weapons including a baseball bat, claw-hammer and an imitation firearm were found following a search of the vehicle and its occupants.

The 30-year-old female driver from Yeovil, was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst disqualified, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a class B drug and possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

Two 19-year-old men, one from Yeovil and another from London, who were passengers in the vehicle, were also arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and possession of class A drugs. They are currently in custody at Yeovil police station.

C/Insp Coombe added: “Let me be clear, we will not tolerate drug crime in the town. We are working with our partners and our local community to take robust action to deal with drug crime, both here and across Somerset. We want to hear from anyone who has any information about suspected drug crime in their neighbourhood.

“You are our eyes and ears. You know what’s happening in your area. If you see something that doesn’t seem quite right, even if you can’t quite put your finger on why, maybe someone or something just seems strange or out of place, then be a good witness.

“Make a note of the time, date and place; get vehicle registrations and the make, model and colour; descriptions of people, what they were doing, direction they travelling in and how many times you have seen them – is it always at the same time? It might seem insignificant to you, but for us it could be the missing piece of a very big puzzle.

“We also want to hear from people who might have concerns about neighbours, friends and family in relation to being vulnerable or susceptible to unscrupulous drug dealers due to debt or drug dependency. We are here to help, and can work with other organisations to offer support. You can contact us on 101 or via our website or alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers. Please do get in touch with us.”

Crimestoppers is completely independent from the police. They don’t ask your name or trace your call and if you supply information that leads to police action, you might be eligible for a cash reward. You can receive the reward in cash completely anonymously using a reference number system.

If you are suffering anti-social behaviour there is advice available on the police website. You can also download a diary to help keep a record of what is happening, which can assist the police and partners in dealing with the issue.
You can call the police on the 101 number to pass on information. You can also fill in an on-line form at www.avonandsomerset.police.

You can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or pass on information via their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Always dial 999 if a crime is in progress or someone is at risk.

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