Anti-social behaviour related to drug use and homelessness. These issues have had a visible and distressing impact on residents, businesses, and visitors—ranging from the presence of rough sleeper encampments and drug paraphernalia to individuals visibly under the influence in public spaces.

To address this, we have developed and implemented a dedicated disruption plan led by the neighbourhood policing team. This includes enhanced high-visibility patrols and close partnership working with the local authority, the Rough Sleeper Outreach Team, CDAS (Community Drug and Alcohol Services), and the management team at Adullam Life House. Recent activity has seen the successful clearance of multiple encampments, the issuing of a Section 34 Dispersal Order to combat anti-social behaviour, and ongoing intelligence gathering around drug supply networks in the area.

We recognise that many of the individuals involved are vulnerable, and we are committed to taking a balanced approach—combining proportionate enforcement with access to support services aimed at long-term rehabilitation and stability. This enhanced focus will continue over the coming months, and we are already receiving positive feedback from the community as a result of our recent actions.

Tackling motorbike and moped theft.

Operation Alcaic is a newly launched initiative focused on tackling the rising theft of motorbikes and mopeds across the city. We now have a dedicated officer leading on this priority, and early results have already seen several key arrests.

This operation closely links with our ongoing work under Operation Transom, targeting anti-social behaviour involving nuisance motorbikes. We are working in close partnership with our Roads Policing Team, using specialist tactics, NPAS (police helicopter), and drone technology to identify and apprehend offenders.

These crimes are not only causing financial loss and distress to victims but also endangering the lives of both the offenders and other road users. We remain committed to taking robust enforcement action and encourage all residents to secure their bikes, keep them out of sight where possible, and report any suspicious activity or intelligence to us.