Reports of ongoing drug taking and dealing in public spaces. This is linked to a Organised crime group we are actively targeting.

A number of drugs warrants have been issued and executed in the area, resulting in arrests and drugs seizures. We are still developing a further intelligence and information picture of this priority. We would urge the public to report any suspicious directly to Police via 101 or online.

We have now been able to access funding which has provided a static Civic CCTV camera in the area of Vane Street.

An Audit has been conducted in the area which has suggested that foliage from trees and bushes needed to be cut back to allow more visibility. The council have completed this, which appears to have had the desired impact.

Increase police patrols in the area, both high visible e and plain clothes has led to a number of arrests. This proactive police approach continues and a reduction in the reports and demand in the area is being seen.

We will continue to monitor the situation and police the area. Humber Talking with local residents has seen an increase in police confidence and reports back have been positive and led to more information sharing.

To date we have arrested, charged and remanded two persons associated with the OCG. We have also arrested and charged numerous street level dealers found dealing on behalf of the group.

This issue has all but stopped. However, we have not become complacent and continue to utilise staff in plain clothes and uniform to offer reassurance and continue to proactively target offenders.

Complaints received from local businesses and members of the public regarding ASB through begging and street drinking in Hull City Centre leading to people feeling unsafe.

This matter has not been as problematic within the city centre in Summer 2024 as it was in previous years. This is partly due to the Operation Luscombe process explained above. However, the Neighbourhood team also continues to work closely with licencing departments and routinely check licenced premises, ensuring conditions are adhered to. This includes the introduction of a reduced ABV and the sale of single cans. Premises are also reminded of the conditions not to serve to those known to be intoxicated or previously, from knowledge, committed ASB whilst under the influence.

We continue to utilise Principles of Operation Luscombe. An initiative first introduced by The City of London in 2018. The operation uses a traffic light four-stage warning system to encourage those found begging or street drinking to seek support for their often complex needs as a longer-term problem solving initiative, using anti-social behaviour legislation, as opposed to making arrests, with recognition given that the offenders are often vulnerable and should also be considered as victims.

Police, alongside Council are also working on a public consultation to increase powers of the current Public Space Protection Order, which will again allow further powers to tackle this complex issue. At the time of writing (26/03/2025) 5 CBOs have now been issued to prolific offenders within the city centre with another 4 awaiting court appearances.

The new PSPO has now been introduced commencing on the 21st pf March 2025. Within a PSPO area it is prohibited to -

make any verbal, non-verbal or written request for money, donations, or goods so as to cause or likely cause antisocial behaviour
loiter, sit or lay on the floor, including doorways or around cash machines, in a manner causing or likely to cause antisocial behaviour
consume alcohol in any public place anywhere within the PSPO area, or be in possession of any open vessel containing or purporting to contain alcohol
Within the safer entertainment zone it is also prohibited to remain or return to the area within 48 hours after being requested to leave by an authorised officer, due to causing or likely to cause antisocial behaviour within the PSPO area.

This issue has not been widely reported by the public in the summer months as being problematic. However, with the weather conditions changing we know from historical data that this will once again become an issue. Police work closely with council on the issues and together are looking for more ways to tackle the issue.

This is once again, a very complex issue and requires a sensitive approach but ultimately we aim to protect the pubic against harm and in doing so aim to address concerns highlighted to us. We utilise Luscombe principles but are working closely with Outreach, Renew and The Changing futures HUB to offer the relevant support to those we encounter.

We also report any issues to council clean up teams and urge the public to report the same.

Council are looking at a number of long term solutions to address this continuing issue.

To date we have issued 5 CBO's some of which prevent access to council owned carparks.