A week long operation was carried out by Long Eaton Police as part of a national drive to tackle knife crime but with a number of other positive steps being taken to deal with local incidents of all kinds.
Operation Sceptre was staged during mid-May with local activities carried out throughout the week.
A drug warrant was executed at an address in Long Eaton and whilst no drugs were found, officers then carried out some proactive local patrols and arrested a male on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs following reports of dealing in the area of Long Eaton Library. Mobile phones and cash were recovered with class A drugs being seized from his address, where a second male was arrested. Both have been bailed whilst the investigation continues.
The work was carried out after recognition that anti-social behaviour is an issue in the area around the library in the town, which has resulted in specific patrols being carried out and positive action being taken where issues are identified. Alongside the enforcement work, partners working with Derbyshire Constabulary are carrying out education and diversionary work in the local area to provide some positive activities young people to engage in.
Activities carried out by PC Bates and PC Taylor during the week of activities included the arrest of a male who was wanted on recall to prison. He was found within a property on Orchard Close where a stolen push bike was recovered and returned to the owner. The investigation into this is ongoing. The same two officers also arrested a female who was wanted for multiple shop thefts after an intelligence led stop of her vehicle.
Later on during the week. another female was arrested on suspicion of shop theft after officers received a call with a report of antisocial behaviour on Kirkstone Court and found her to be wanted. EMH Homes were set to follow up the report with tenancy enforcement action. This female was not only charged and remanded for the shop theft but has been recalled to prison, where officers hope she will receive the support she needs.
PCSO Bryant located a missing female on West Park using her local knowledge and has completed some follow up intervention with the females family to attempt to reduce future missing episodes.
Volunteer workers monitoring the local CCTV monitoring system also helped locate another high risk missing person within the town centre, coming in during their own time to work alongside the force's Missing Person's team. The missing person was located within 4 hours with their help.
Officers have submitted case files for the work they have generated and even found the time to join Sawley Speedwatch to provide support to the volunteers, issuing tickets to two drivers - one on their phone and one for excess speed.