Arrests, seized cash and drugs, and forced closure orders: tackling anti-social behaviour in Bristol
Avon and Somerset Police reveal their work they've been doing in recent weeks to tackle anti-social behaviour
Across Bristol, neighbourhood teams have made a number of arrests and have seized 'significant quantities' of cash and drugs in a bid to prevent anti-social behaviour by drug users.
In east Bristol, officers stopped several men and boys and recovered significant quantities of drugs and cash along with a number of knives and mobile phones.
The teams' work - which involved both, plain-clothed and uniformed officers - came into action following concerns raised by the public about people selling drugs in public places.
The force says the issue was particularly prevalent in and around the Stapleton Road area.
Five of those arrested have since been charged with offences including being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, possessing with intent to supply Class and Class B drugs, possessing offensive weapons and possessing criminal property.
They have all been remanded into custody after appearing a Bristol Magistrates' Court.
In north and central Bristol, neighbourhood officers have also been seeking out drug dealers - with the team arresting 10 people in recent days for drug-related offences alone.
Those were nine men and a women - with three of the men remanded into custody.
Those three men appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court charged with offences including possessing both Class A and Class B drugs with intent to supply and possessing offensive weapons in both public and private places.
Those not charged have either been released on bail with conditions or released under investigation while further enquiries are carried out.
Officers have also been helping to put in place safeguarding measures for residents known to the force being vulnerable to exploitation - with the measures including an 'emergency closure order' for a Redcliffe flat.
Action at that flat was put in place because it was known to the force as being 'blighted' by anti-social behaviour and crime for several months - with much of the behaviour being linked to drugs.
The closure order means the flat will be closed for three months.
In additional, the occupant of the flat has signed an 'acceptable behaviour contract', and has been given access to specialist support services.
In south Bristol, the force's anti-social behaviour team has also obtained a closure order for an address in Bedminster following reports of - in the words of the police - 'drugs and sexual services' being sold there.
There was also said to be anti-social behaviour in the flat too, and again means the flat will be closed off for three months.
Inspector Catherine Leigh, of the Bristol East neighbourhood team, said: “Drugs destroy the lives of those who take them but also those around them.
“We have been listening to our communities and keeping track of all the reports we’ve received relating to drug supply and use.
“Neighbourhood teams across the city have then acted on this intelligence and have made a significant impact on those intent on causing harm by selling and using drugs both in public and private places.
“Thousands of pounds of cash and significant quantities of drugs have been taken off the streets along with some dangerous weapons.
“We are committed to reducing the harm caused by drugs and bringing those involved in such offences to justice.
“I hope this activity provides some reassurance to those residents whose lives have been affected by drug offences. We will continue to take positive action.”
If you have information about people you believe are dealing drugs, call 101 or visit the Avon and Somerset Police website.