Nottinghamshire police warn residents of drug dealers 'working from home' across county

With the community continuing to comply with social distancing measures, Detective Superintendent Mike Allen has urged the public to report any suspicious activity they see on their street.

Detective Superintendent Allen, who leads Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “Drug dealers’ business models are based around hiding in plain sight. In the current circumstances, that tactic has been taken from them, and while this poses a problem for them, it creates an opportunity for us.

“Despite social distancing measures, our statistics for drug-related offences have remained consistent over the past few months which is down to fantastic tip offs from the public and good police.

“That being said, we are constantly reviewing ways in which to tackle drug crime and, with people staying at home, I’d ask for the public to help us identify any suspicious activity on their street.

“This could be a large number of people regularly entering and leaving an house, or suspicious activity within an address, or a person persistently in the area on a pedal cycle, moped or car.”

“I’d like to point out, this does not mean family members delivering food items for those isolating, but it is a focus on those who appear suspicious and may enter an address, then leave in a short space of time, or indeed briefly approach a window or door before quickly moving on.”

DS Allen added that any tip off could be made anonymously and would be acted on by police in a way that did not identify the person who gave the information.

“The message is clear, if you are dealing drugs, we will take appropriate action, which includes arrest, putting you before the courts in an effort to send you to prison and seizing your assets,” he said.

If you have noticed anything suspicious in your street you can contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.