Thirty Arrests As Police Tackle Drug And Burglary Offences

Published on: 19 May, 2014
Updated on: 19 May, 2014

More than 30 arrests have been made as part of a crackdown on criminals involved in the supply of Class A drugs and associated criminal activity to raise cash to buy drugs.

Surrey Police report that Operation Leek activity was spread across two sets of early morning raids – the first phase on Wednesday, April 30, saw addresses simultaneously targeted locally in the Guildford, Farnham and Aldershot areas and in London. More than 150 officers were involved in the community intelligence led initiative which aimed to disrupt the activities of drug dealers and interrupt the supply of illegal drugs in the Guildford and Waverley areas.

The second wave of intense activity on Wednesday, May 14, focused on properties in the Guildford, Waverley and Hampshire areas in a bid to target those involved in serious acquisitive crime including burglary, robbery and the handling of stolen goods. The operation began with more than 250 operational officers, including detectives, search teams, rapid entry units and Surrey Police’s anti-social behaviour team travelling in 22 vans to locations.

To see a video of Chief Inspector Dave Mason explain the operation click on the following link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMH4Ri4Dxgo

More than 30 addresses were searched and 31 arrests were made in relation to the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, burglary, robbery and handling stolen goods. A quantity of drugs and a variety of goods including more than 40 bikes – some of which are of high value, two cars, laptops, air weapons and tools were seized.

Following on from the first operational activity 13 people have already been dealt with and put before the courts. They are all due back to appear at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, May 23. A further youth is due to report back to a youth intervention clinic in June.

Ten more people appeared on May 15 before magistrates in Guildford on a variety of charges relating to the second raids and nine are due to next appear at Guildford Crown Court on May 29.

One man, 26-year-old Francis Ragless of Pond Meadow, Guildford has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for two offences of handling stolen goods.

West Surrey Chief Inspector (Operations) Dave Mason explained: “Operation Leek has seen officers act on the information provided by local people and evidence has been gathered over the past few months.

“By targeting those involved in such associated crime we aim to have a direct impact on the number of burglaries being committed in the local community. This community led activity is as a result of careful, painstaking work to draw out street level criminals causing damage in our neighbourhoods.

“Operation Leek will ultimately help to keep the streets of Surrey safe for residents and workers alike by bringing offenders to justice. We are seeking to stamp out crimes at either end of the offending spectrum. I want residents to be able to rest easy in their beds at nights and not to suffer as a result of drugs being supplied and used in our communities or becoming a victim of an acquisitive crime themselves.

Guildford Borough Commander Lynette Shanks said: “Following the raids officers from the Guildford Safer Neighbourhood Team and colleagues in other boroughs provided a visible presence in the communities affected by the operations to assist and reassure members of the community.”

“Due to the activity as a result of Operation Leek we have put local drug treatment services on alert to expect an increase in demand for requests for assistance and we are ensuring concentrated outreach work to divert those displaced drug users into treatment. Anyone brought into custody has been supported by specialists from the charity CRI, which has staff experienced in helping provide support and treatment for anyone arrested for crimes related to drug and alcohol use.”

For anyone wanting to access drug treatment (either directly or on behalf of a loved one) the DAAT fund a 24-hour, 7-day a week helpline called ‘Surrey Drug Care’. Surrey Drug Care is confidential, available to listen and will explain what options are open to you and can refer directly into treatment services in Surrey.

Commander Shanks is urging residents to continue to play an active part in helping Surrey Police tackle drug issues and added: “Help keep your neighbourhood clean and pass on any details you have of any suspicious activity or people you think may be involved in drugs activity in your locality to Surrey Police on 101. Together we can make our environment a better, cleaner place to live and work.”

Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting Operation Leek. Alternatively the independent charity Crimestoppers can be called on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who recognises or can identify stolen property is asked to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting P14145159.