Sutton man turns his life around after being exploited by drug user

When PCSO Donna Gregg is asked what her policing career highlight has been so far, her face lights up and recalls how the force changed the life of a vulnerable man who was being exploited by a drug user.
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In the summer, PCSO Gregg and her dedicated colleagues learnt how the 65-year-old Sutton-in-Ashfield local was being taken advantage by a younger man who was taking drugs in his home. His mental andphysical health was suffering as a result.

The victim didn’t trust the police at first but after receiving first class support from PCSO Gregg his attitude to the police was transformed.

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He now lives in a clean bungalow and even his pet dog Brandy has a big garden to play in and regular check-ups at the local vets.

PCSOs at work in the Nottinghamshire communityPCSOs at work in the Nottinghamshire community
PCSOs at work in the Nottinghamshire community

The officers also spent time with the man arranging doctor appointments and worked with the local authority for him to a more suitable home.

PCSO Gregg, 35, said: "It's certainly one case I'm very proud and it'll be one I will tell my friends and family about.

"Even now when we see him, he gives us a wave out the window and you can see his demeanour has completely changed.

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"It all started when we bumped into him in the area and he didn't want to know us, he didn't trust the police.

"Through persistence and talking to neighbours, we began to start a relationship and start a conversation.

"We've even taken his dog Brandy to the vets whilst he had to isolate due to the pandemic. It's the human side of things that I really enjoy.

"I can remember being in his old home and there was drug paraphernalia scattered around. After a few meetings with him and building that trust and confidence in the police, he admitted that someone was taking advantage of him by staying at the address and using drugs there.

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"We were able to identify the man, challenge his behaviour and he was issued with a fixed penalty notice and Community Protection Warning.

"We now regularly check on him and the change his life is incredible really.

"He is no longer being exploited, he is managing his own welfare well, he is engaging with support services and now fully trusts and supports the police, which is what it's all about."