Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner reveals concerns about drugs gangs in the county

Rupert Matthews is looking at where his priorities lie

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Author: Andy MarshPublished 7th Sep 2021

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Rutland has revealed his new strategy going forward, which includes cracking down on county lines drug gangs.

The gangs often target rural areas and use teenagers to transport drugs, who can't be prosecuted due to their age.

They also manipulate elderly or vulnerable people to store drugs in their homes, also known as ‘cuckooing’

PCC Rupert Matthews says it’s a growing problem for Rutland.

He told us "they're very mobile that's why the police need to have good communications with the public".

"So the public know what to look out for and having spotted it they can inform the police".

"That will be a top priority".

"They are preying on vulnerable members of society to act as drugs mules or to hide drugs."

"They're constantly on the move to avoid the police and that brings them to places like Rutland".

It's just one of his priorities as he discuss his new strategy.

Mr Matthews says rural crime and those related to businesses will also be priorities.