The crucial role your intelligence plays in Neighbourhood Policing

As #NeighbourhoodPolicingWeek continues, we're putting the spotlight on the daily work of our Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPT).

Today we're focusing on the vital role your information and intelligence play in helping neighbourhood teams tackle drug supply in our local communities.

The supply of drugs helps fund the illegal activities of organised crime groups which in turns bring harm to the people who call South Yorkshire home.

We have dedicated teams set up to tackle organised criminality, but everyone has a role to play, and our neighbourhood teams are no different.

Utilising their local knowledge, neighbourhood officers routinely carry out stop searches and warrants at properties linked to the supply of drugs. Intelligence submitted by our communities directly contributes to our ability to secure these warrants. 

Last week, our Rotherham North NPT executed several warrants in the local  area - all targeting addresses and vehicles which have intelligence linking them to drug dealing.

Supported by colleagues from the district's Operation Fortify Team, who are responsible for dealing with disrupting organised criminality, officers uncovered a stolen bike, two air weapons and a small amount of drugs. Two community resolutions were given for drug offences as part of the warrants.

Rotherham North NPT Sergeant Mark Bloodworth said:

"Drugs are not just harmful to those that use them, they also have a ripple effect on the entire community. They fund organised crime and are ultimately responsible for further criminality.

"We take a zero-tolerance approach to the supply of drugs and, thanks to our local communities who have made numerous reports to us in the last few months, we are able to take swift action and will continue to do so.

“We know that we are stronger with our communities’ help, and we want to ensure that the town is a safe place to live, work and visit. I encourage the residents of Rotherham to continue to tell us about the issues you are facing within your community. Your information goes a long way in securing warrants and ensuring more criminals are put behind bars.

“If you see your local officers out and about in your area, please do stop and speak to them if you have any concerns as they are there to help. You can also report to us on 101 or using our online portal on our website.”