Highbridge – Drug Supply and Use

Targeting the supply and use of controlled drugs in housing estates and the surrounding main roads in Highbridge.

High-visibility patrols will be conducted to deter drug supply, and specific covert patrols by local officers will target key offenders. In addition, crime prevention work with residents and partner agencies will be conducted by officers in person and on social media.

This is a long-term issue that needs to be addressed. Conducted alongside proactive policing powers, such as stop-search, should enable a quicker resolution to the issue and therefore start to have a positive effect on the community.

This is an issue across many areas of Avon and Somerset. The impact on the quality of life to local residents is significant.

This is an ongoing issue that the Neighbourhood Policing Team will continuously review every two weeks.

Actions

• 21 May 2025
  

  We are continuing to conduct covert and high-vis patrols as part of this priority.

• 15 March 2025
  

  School engagement and patrols: There is no current information about children being involved in the supply of drugs. However, preventative work should be completed to disrupt the risk of exploitation to make Highbridge an undesirable area for drug suppliers to operate in. Police officers and PCSOs will be visible at school times to engage with parents, staff and other stakeholders.

• 15 March 2025
  

  High-visibility patrols: Officers are increasing high-visibility patrols, including in vehicles and on foot. The aim of these is to disrupt criminality as well as build confidence in policing.

• 15 March 2025
  

  Covert patrols: Officers are going to be conducting covert patrols in the area using a range of covert tactics. While the community might not see these, the impact these have is significant. They allow for the intelligence gathering and action process to be conducted without the risks of offenders knowing about police presence.