STONYDELPH UPDATE

At a community event in Stonydelph last week we spoke with members of the public about local issues in the area as well as allowing people to try on some kit, make fingerprint badges and check out the cell in our Police van.

It was great seeing both new and familiar faces. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who made the effort to speak with us.

These were some of the issues raised:

Nuisance motorbikes – A number of people commented on how it does appear to have calmed down lately and thanked us for our recent efforts in a large joint operation with neighbouring forces that saw a number of bikes seized, tickets and warnings issued. There was of course complaints that that this continues to be a problem particularly along the cycle-paths and Goldsborough/Deltic field.

As ever, the best case scenario is we catch them in the act as this allows us to take more positive action there and then. Failing that we can act upon information such as names & addresses where someone believes there is a nuisance motorbike coming from/going to. Though a slower process, we can still take effective action.

Since the event, an off-road motorbike has been seized and four more community protection warnings have been issued.

Drugs – The most common complaint is people smoking cannabis. We will provide a presence in the public areas stated and link in with the council in regards any specific addresses.

We also received some information that led to the arrest of two males from Birmingham who were charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

Suspicious people – This was mostly in relation to the reports of a naked/scantily clad male walking around Stonydelph lakes. Residents were informed that a 72-year-old male from the Stonydelph area had been arrested in relation to these reports.

Anti-social behaviour – We received a variety complaints in this regard, mostly linked to the cannabis smoking and nuisance motorbikes. We also had reports from a local shop about being targeted by a particular group (who, frustratingly had already been spoken to prior to complaints coming in). We will be sharing images of those offenders on our social channels soon as well as linking in with schools to identify them.

You can report all of the above issues to us via 101 or by using our online form or Live Chat at www.staffordshire.police.uk

If you would prefer to report things anonymously you can do so via Crimestoppers at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or 0800 555111.