Highbridge – Drug Supply and Use

Targeting the Supply and Use of Controlled Drugs in the areas of Highbridge including housing estates and the surrounding main roads.

High Visibility patrols to deter as well as specific covert patrols by local officers to target key offenders. In addition crime prevention work with residents and partner agencies conducted by officers in person and on social media.

This is a long term issue that needs to be addressed. Conducted alongside pro-active Policing powers such as Stop Search should enable a quicker resolution to the issue and therefore start to have an 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

• 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 Police Community Support Officers 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. Whilst the community might not see these, the impact these have is also significant. They allow for the intelligence gathering and action process to be conducted without the risks of offenders knowing about Police presence.