In July we set three local priorities for the East Northamptonshire area and surrounding villages including Rushden, Higham Ferrers, Irthlingborough, Raunds, Thrapston and Oundle. These were anti-social motorcycle nuisance, road safety and road traffic offences, and drug dealing and drug misuse. These priorities were based on concerns raised by local residents, together with local crime data and information provided by partner agencies, such as the local council.
These priorities have been the focus of much of our work over the past three months. Below is an update on some of the activity undertaken by the East Northants Neighbourhood Policing Team to address them:
Anti-social motorcycle nuisance
- We have seized three illegal electric motorcycles in Rushden and continue to gather intelligence across the area.
- Officers routinely carry out proactive patrols and enforcement activity across the area targeting off road motorcycles.
Drug dealing and drug misuse
- Officers regularly use stop and search powers under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
- We have one investigation in Rushden which remains ongoing relating to drug supply, and another in Irthlingborough. We continue to work closely with residents to develop intelligence around drug dealing and drug misuse in key locations across the area.
- We have secured two out of court resolutions for drug possession with immediate justice referrals.
Road safety and traffic offences:
- We have recovered five vehicles for various traffic offences in this period, and two drivers have been reported for driving offences.
- We have issued multiple anti-social behaviour warning letters to people suspected of riding illegal electric motorbikes.
- We also utilise Section 59 seizure powers across the area to tackle off road bikes as a result of information provided by residents. We continue to educate the community around the rules for two wheeled vehicles and promote safer driving.
Everyone who lives or works in Northamptonshire is invited to tell us about any local issues that concern them and the easiest way to do this is by completing our local priorities survey every few months so we can be sure we have your current views. You can complete the survey here.
For more information about local priorities and how and why we set them, please read our Priorities Q&A here.
Kind regards, East Northants Neighbourhood Policing Team