Police Press Release

PRESS RELEASE FROM NORTHAMPTONSHIRE POLICE

Released 10 July 2018

Police have launched a new crackdown on serious and organised crime.

Robustly tackling those people involved in gang and drug related crimes will be Northamptonshire Police’s primary focus this summer.

The force’s new serious and organised crime strategy gives a clear direction of where the force should prioritise its attention in relation to serious and organised crime (SOC) for the next year.

Organised criminals operating in Northamptonshire are believed to be involved in crimes such as drug supply, firearms offences, fraud, cybercrime, child sexual exploitation, modern slavery and human trafficking.

The force has launched Operation Viper to tackle those issues posing the greatest risk to our communities.

Assistant Chief Constable James Andronov, said: “I know people are concerned about some of the incidents we have experienced in recent weeks and rightly so, we are concerned too. That’s why we are redoubling our efforts to tackle those people who are involved in gang and drug related crimes.

“We have had great success over the last two years, securing almost 300 years in prison for people convicted of gang-related crime in Wellingborough, East Northants and Northampton. We intend to capitalise on this work with the aim of making Northamptonshire a hostile place for criminals to operate.

“We’ll be increasing the number of officers we have on patrol, executing more warrants on properties across the county and making arrests whenever possible. We will use whatever powers are available to us in order to disrupt the activities of those individuals who insist on committing crimes in Northamptonshire.”

Northamptonshire Police is working closely with partner organisations to tackle some of the issues associated with gangs.

ACC Andronov, added: “Working with partners is incredibly important as we look to help some of the most vulnerable people in society who are targeted by gangs. Gangs will prey on vulnerable adults in order to use their house to deal drugs, target children to deal drugs or keep their weapons or in some cases sexually exploit vulnerable adults and children.

“Partnership work is vital to help tackle some of these issues and find longer term solutions.

“We are also reliant on the public’s help. We need people to tell us when they have concerns about people operating in their neighbourhood, when they have concerns about young people who may be getting drawn into gang culture or if they are worried about a vulnerable person living in their neighbourhood.

“If you have any concerns or would like to report any information to police you can call police on 101, report crime online or via independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold has provided additional funds to the force in order to bolster its Serious and Organised Crime Team.

Police and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold said: “I know from speaking to people around the county that there is concern about violent and serious crime and I know that police officers and staff have been working incredibly hard on this issue, against the background of dealing with high profile events such as the World Cup and Silverstone.

“People do appreciate the hard work that is being done and I’d ask everyone to play their part and pass on any information they have about crime.

“I understand people’s concern but I want to make sure that the only people in fear are the criminals that is why I supported the force with additional resources for the Serious and Organised Crime Team. We cannot do it alone and will be working hard with partners to crack down on crime and the people who commit it.”