Warndon residents helping police catch drug dealers

But West Mercia Police have admitted they need to get better at letting people know.

City councillor Jill Desayrah asked about the issue when police and crime commissioner John Campion and Superintendent Gareth Morgan, the policing officer for south Worcestershire, visited a Community committee meeting this week.

“I particularly wanted to ask about drug dealing, because it is a big problem in my ward,” said Cllr Desayrah.

QUESTIONS: Warndon councillor Jill Desayrah (Image: Jill Desayrah)

“Residents report regularly with intelligence to the local SNT. They feel as if nothing happens as a result.

“Now I know that is something you probably hear a lot as things probably progress slowly in the background.

“But with known drug dealers - everyone knows who they are. What are the blockers to them being taken off the streets?”

Superintendent Gareth Morgan said: “First of all, it’s positive you’ve got a community that’s willing to engage and report matters - that shows some confidence.

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“And as a result, we need to ensure that we’re giving something back.

“There’s been some fantastic work that’s gone on in Warndon itself. We’ve recently had Operation Warnfront, where we saw a number of warrants on the back of intelligence provided by members of the community.

“We also have had activity with regards to the ‘4th Gang’ that was operating in Worcestershire. We had some dedicated arrests and some CBOs served on a number of those gang members and we’ve seen a significant reduction in crime.”

But Supt Morgan said “when you cut the head of a snake, another grows back”, adding: “It’s important we keep the pressure on.”

He said reports from members of the public are leading to warrants, arrests and convictions but people don’t always hear about it.

“What we need to do is tell you about it,” he said, “and I can assure you, we will.”