Nottingham Police urge public to report drug dealers working from home during coronavirus lockdown

The public have been urged to report any suspicious activity on their streets as Nottinghamshire Police continues to tackle drug dealing during the lockdown.

Police intelligence has revealed that drug dealers are working from home while the country is in lockdown.

With the community continuing to comply with social distancing measures, Detective Superintendent Mike Allen has urged the public to report any suspicious activity.

Detective Superintendent Allen, who leads the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “Drug dealers’ business models are based around hiding in plain sight.

"In the current circumstances, that tactic has been taken from them, and while this poses a problem for them, it creates an opportunity for us.

“Despite social distancing measures, our statistics for drug-related offences have remained consistent over the past few months, which is down to fantastic tip-offs from the public and good police.

“That being said, we are constantly reviewing ways in which to tackle drug crime and, with people staying at home, I would ask for the public to help us identify any suspicious activity on their street.

“This could be a large number of people regularly entering and leaving an house, or suspicious activity within an address, or a person persistently in the area on a pedal cycle, moped or car.

“I would like to point out, this does not mean family members delivering food items for those isolating, but it is a focus on those who appear suspicious and may enter an address, then leave in a short space of time, or indeed briefly approach a window or door before quickly moving on.

“I want the public to be aware and reassured that we are operating as usual and that means, we will continue to use our powers to tackle drug crime throughout this pandemic.

“If that means cutting down doors to execute a drugs warrant, we will do so.

“I would also like to remind the public that they can make these reports to us anonymously and if they tip us off, we can use a variety of methods to investigate their suspicions without them needing to feel involved or like they have put themselves at risk.

“The message is clear ­— if you are dealing drugs, we will take appropriate action, which includes arrest, putting you before the courts in an effort to send you to prison and seizing your assets.”

If you have noticed anything suspicious in your street, please do not hesitate to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.