South West police forces work with local communities to drive out drugs

Residents across the South West are asked to report any drug-related activity and information to local police or the independent charity Crimestoppers, in an effort to tackle drug dealing and associated crime in communities.

Operation Scorpion is a well-established collaboration between the five police forces in the South West region (Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire), alongside their respective offices of Police and Crime Commissioners, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SW ROCU) and the charity Crimestoppers.

The most recent iteration of this operation will focus on drug supply and the associated harm, with the three key aims being:

1. To demonstrate a ‘Ring of Steel’ around the South West, making it clear that drug gangs and associated crime will be targeted and removed from the region.
2. To focus on visible street dealing by disrupting those who cause harm in communities through visible drug dealing and the associated crime.
3. To work with the public and ask them to submit any intelligence gathering which may assist in identifying and tacking those responsible for causing drug related harm to communities.

Drug-related crime and other associated offences, including theft and violence, has a significant impact on communities and tackling them remains a priority for police forces throughout the South West.

The public plays an important role in helping police forces to build an intelligence picture.  Any piece of information linked to drugs activity – no matter how big or small – can help police disrupt those who are profiting from the damage and harm that drugs bring to local communities. Trust your instincts. Even if someone isn't involved in drug dealing, they might be being exploited in some other way, so it's always worth speaking out.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Parker said: “Devon & Cornwall Police works tirelessly to disrupt drug dealing and to prevent the harm it brings to our communities. The intelligence that is supplied to us by the public is absolutely key to this, as it comes from local knowledge and observations. Misuse and selling of drugs are the starting point to many crimes, so we will relentlessly pursue those who bring drugs into the South West, endangering lives and livelihoods.

“Operation Scorpion is a great example of what we do, of our commitment to tackling the scourge of drugs, and how we work together with other police forces and other agencies to make sure that Devon and Cornwall are no place for drugs.”

If you want to report a crime, but you don't want to identify yourself, you can contact Crimestoppers. Crimestoppers  is an independent charity, working to help communities. Who you are is not important / of interest to Crimestoppers, only what you know, so the more detail you give the better. You can also report information anonymously on the StreetSafe app. This service allows you to report safety concerns in public places without giving your name. Alternatively, you can report information and intelligence at: dc.police.uk/tua.

Devon & Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez added: “Operation Scorpion has taken millions of pounds worth of harmful drugs out of our communities, led to dozens of weapons being destroyed, put serious criminals behind bars and safeguarded dozens of vulnerable children who were being exploited.  It has been a huge success but more remains to be done. My message is that our Police and Crime Commissioners in the region will remain resolute in supporting very robust police enforcement of the laws on drugs for as long as it takes.”

Everyone can all play a part in looking out for and reporting signs of drugs activity in neighbourhoods across the South West. Drug crime funds wider crime in local communities. You can help by speaking up. Help us prevent crime.

The message is clear: the South West is No Place For Drugs.