Reducing the impact of drugs on the local community
A priority of the Safer Basildon Partnership is to reduce the impact of drugs on the local community.
We know from local resident perception surveys that drug dealing and use of drugs negatively effects perceptions.
It is often the most vulnerable members of our communities affected by Gangs and County-Lines and we are working as a partnership to protect the most vulnerable, and take robust action against those involved.
Whilst Essex Police tackle the organised crime element of these fractions, there is action that can be taken locally to reduce the impact of drugs.
Below are some of the ways the partnership will do this:
Establish a Gangs and Drugs related Crime Group to target prolific offenders with robust enforcement action, and safeguarde those at risk of exploitation.
Support the work of drug and alcohol treatment providers locally by sharing intelligence, developing good working relationships, and targeting resources effectively.
Public Space Protection Order provides powers to authorised officers to tackle low level drug use, with Community Safey Wardens deployed to hotspot locations to deter drug use and criminality.
Raising awareness of Gangs and County Lines to build resilience within communities and encourage reporting.
Gangs
The word 'gang' has different meanings in different contexts.
A 'street gang' is a group of young people who see themselves and are seen by others as a discernible group for whom crime and violence is integral to their identity.
Organised criminal gangs involvement in crime is for personal gain and is their occupation.
Gang membership is usually linked to criminal activity such as trafficking, drug dealing and violent crime.
County Lines
County Lines is the police term for urban gangs exploiting young people into moving drugs to another market such as from a city to a smaller town, using dedicated mobile phones or 'deal lines'.
This can include the process of 'cuckooing' whereby the home of a drug user or other vulnerable person is taken over by a gang and is used as a drug dealing base for that area.
Signs to look out for include; signs of drug use, more people coming and going from a property, more cars/bikes outside, litter and the owner/tenant not being seen.
Children and adults living or staying in these properties are being criminally exploited and are victims of abuse.
You can report cuckooing by contacting the police or Crimestoppers to report anonymously. All intelligence provided helps to build a picture of criminality and ensure resources and enforcement action is targeted effectively.
Your piece of information could help support warrants, inform patrols, and help to tackle drug use in the community.
Criminal Exploitation
Young people are commonly recruited into gangs and criminally exploited, putting them at a significant risk of harm. Signs to look out for include missing episodes, frequent absence from education, hanging out with different people, unexplained items such as clothes/trainers, more than one mobile phone, drug and alcohol use, and carrying weapons.
If you are worried about someone, you can contact the below services for help and advice.
Useful links
Crimestoppers (opens new window)
NSPCC - criminal exploitation and gangs (opens new window)
Essex Police - County Lines (opens new window)
Fearless - Crimestoppers (opens new window)
Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit (opens new window)