Police efforts reduce crime by 20% (From This is The West Country)

Police efforts reduce crime by 20%

12:36pm Thursday 11th October 2012 in News By Kirsty James

A CRACKDOWN on drug problems in Burnham and Highbridge has led to a 20% reduction in crime, say police.

The public were given an update on police progress at a community police meeting held at The Old Courthouse on Jaycroft Road last night (October 10).

Neighbourhood Police Team Sergeant Ian Kennett told the Weekly News: “I updated the public about the activity which has been carried out to target drug use for the past six months in the Highbridge and Burnham areas - where that issue has been the public's top priority.

“The success we have had has contributed to the 20% reduction in crime we have seen. “By focussing on drug dealers and associated offenders we are driving them out of our area and making our communities safer.”

Most recent cases included the arrest of a 35-year-old man in Minehead yesterday morning for production of cannabis plants at a flat on the Esplanade, Burnham, on September 18. He has been released on police bail for the drugs to be analysed.

Raymond Cox, 59, also appeared at Taunton Deane Magistrates Court yesterday charged with possession of a quantity of cannabis resin following a drugs raid at his home on the Morland estate.

He pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay an £80 fine, a £15 victim surcharge and costs of £85 to Crown Prosecution Service. The cannabis resin was also forfeited and destroyed.

Sergeant Kennett added: “We are also looking to obtain a crack house closure relating to an address in Burnham where there has been class-A drug use and the community has been subjected to serious disorder or nuisance.” An order can be obtained under the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003 to close a building down for three months. The police will be consulting with Sedgemoor District Council to do this.