Riverside Beat Priority Update

Good morning everyone, 

One of our priorities in this quarter was that of focusing on offences in our open spaces. 

Please see the following May update in relation to this:

This month has delivered strong results in tackling drug dealing and misuse, particularly in the Castle Gardens area. We received ongoing reports of drug activity taking place throughout the day, prompting targeted action by local officers.

Riverside officers, working in plain clothes, successfully identified and arrested individuals involved in drug supply on two separate occasions. In one case, a male was observed taking part in a suspected drug deal. A subsequent search of a nearby address uncovered a significant quantity of Class A drugs, including crack cocaine and heroin. He was charged, remanded in custody, and later pleaded guilty at court.

In a separate incident, a second individual was detained while attempting to supply drugs to known users. He was found in possession of Class A crack cocaine, as well as an extendable baton concealed in his waistband. He was also charged and remanded for these offences.

We remain committed to targeting those who cause harm within our communities, particularly in public spaces where people – including families – should feel safe. Patrols have continued in Castle Gardens and other open spaces across the area, ensuring a visible police presence and building on these positive outcomes.

Sgt 1509 David Wilson