Local Priorities Drugs and related issues Message

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Drugs and related issues, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey.

Working #TogetherForBedfordshire means collaborating with our partners to tackle crime. On Sunday night (20 July), our colleagues in the Bedford Borough Council CCTV team alerted us to suspicious activity in the Lurke Street car park.

On officers’ arrival, a teen suspected to be involved in drug dealing fled the scene, leading to a pursuit on foot.

As PC 93 caught up with the suspect, he witnessed him raise his t-shirt and reach for his waistband. Anticipating the threat of violence, PC 93 tackled him to the ground and detained him for a search.

A large machete style knife and a firearm were located on his person and the teen was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and firearm, assaulting an emergency worker and being concerned in supply of drugs.

Our work with community safety partner agencies continues as we work collaboratively to take action against violent crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

You can report anti-social behaviour, including suspected drug dealing, here: https://www.beds.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/

The illicit drugs market is big business, worth an estimated £9.4 billion a year and drug deaths have reached an all-time. Taking the health harms, costs of crime and wider impacts on society together, it is estimated the total costs of drugs to society are over £19 billion, which is more than twice the value of the market itself.

If you are adversely affected by antisocial behaviour in your community associated with drug use, The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 outlines the flexible tools and powers that the police, local authorities and other local agencies can use to respond quickly and effectively to antisocial behaviour.

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.beds.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.  

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. 

Get Involved

Please consider getting involved by registering for these messages, this will enable you to contribute to the local priority survey.  We may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on.  Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 

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