Street Drinking & Drug Dealing

The Neighbourhood Policing Team remains committed to addressing the ongoing concerns around drug dealing and drug use in our area. This issue affects not only those directly involved but also the wider community, impacting safety, wellbeing, and quality of life. Over the past year, we have taken significant steps to combat this problem. One of the key measures has been increasing patrols in identified hotspot areas. These targeted patrols have helped us disrupt criminal activity, gather intelligence, and provide reassurance to residents. We’ve also worked closely with partner agencies and community organisations to ensure a coordinated approach, because tackling this issue requires more than enforcement—it needs prevention and support. As we move into the Spring, this work will continue. Our officers will maintain a visible presence in problem areas, and we will keep listening to your concerns. Community intelligence is vital, so if you see suspicious activity or have information that could help, please report it to us. Every piece of information, no matter how small, can make a difference. Together, we can make our neighbourhood safer and stronger. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Actions

• 13 October 2026
  

  Neighbourhood Policing Update

  We are continuing our patrols of Stapleton Road, St Mark’s Road, Chester Street and the surrounding areas. While issues relating to street drinking, drug dealing and drug use remain a concern, we are working closely with local residents, community groups and businesses to improve the area and address the issues that matter most to the community.

  Recently, we held a “Talk to Us” event outside Jeevans, which received a very positive response from local residents and businesses. It was encouraging to speak with so many members of the community, hear their concerns, and discuss the work being undertaken in the area. Due to the success of this event, we will be looking to hold more community engagement sessions in the future.

  We also continue to hold our regular community engagement event outside Sweet Mart. Our next session will take place at 11:00am on Thursday 29 October. Please feel free to come along, meet your local neighbourhood team, discuss any concerns you may have, and raise any issues affecting you or your community.

  Your information and feedback are invaluable in helping us target our patrols and problem-solving activity where they are needed most.

  We look forward to seeing you there.

• 11 October 2026
  

  The neighbourhood team recently attended a meeting with the local councillors, traders and residents to discuss the issues on St Marks Rd and the surrounding area.

  The Neighbourhood Policing Team recently attended a meeting with local councillors, traders, and residents to discuss concerns affecting St Marks Road and the surrounding area.

  Local traders highlighted an increase in crime, particularly thefts and burglaries, which have impacted their businesses. Residents in attendance raised concerns regarding ongoing anti-social behaviour within the area.

  All parties expressed concern about the number of individuals congregating at the end of St Marks Road, where there have been reports of street drinking, drug use, and drug dealing. There is a shared concern that this activity is having a detrimental effect on both businesses and residents, as it discourages people from visiting the area and negatively impacts the overall appearance and perception of the road.

  Residents have also reported similar issues on Chester Street, including open drug use, suspected drug dealing, and anti-social behaviour. These incidents are causing local residents to feel unsafe within their community.

  In response to these concerns, the local Neighbourhood Policing Team has increased high-visibility patrols in the area, continues to hold “Talk to Us” engagement events every four weeks at the Sweet Mart, and is working closely with local councillors and partners to identify opportunities to improve the area and address the issues raised.

• 24 June 2026
  

  Since our last update, we have become aware of an increase in street drinking, as well as drug use and dealing, in and around the Stapleton Road area. One location of particular concern is the corner of St Marks Road, where large groups have been gathering. As the weather becomes warmer and the evenings lighter, this activity has become more noticeable.

  We understand that this behaviour can be concerning and may cause some individuals to feel uncomfortable or intimidated when using the area. Your safety and confidence in the community are very important to us.

  In response, the Neighbourhood Policing Team is increasing patrols in the area to address these issues and provide reassurance to residents and visitors.

  If you witness any concerning behaviour, please report it by calling 101 or by submitting a report online. Your information helps us to take appropriate action.