Keeping you safe and well is a priority for NPH. We work closely with partners across Northampton, such as Northamptonshire Police, to do this.
Northamptonshire Police run Operation Viper, an operation to crack down on those involved in drug and gang related crime. It tackles the supply of Class A drugs in Northamptonshire, focusing on organised crime groups, gangs, local drug lines and County lines.
The use of intelligence-led tactics has recently led to the execution of over 70 warrants in Northamptonshire, Wolverhampton, Birmingham and London. This has led to the arrest of 105 individuals, aged between 15 and 55. 87 of these individuals have been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs with 62 then remanded in custody. Of the 105 arrested, 72 were from Northamptonshire, 25 were from London and eight were from the West Midlands. Police officers have also recovered nearly £250,000 worth of goods including £25,000 worth of Class A drugs, designer goods worth in excess of £150,000, over £20,000 in cash and a Mercedes CLA Sport worth over £35,000.
This has effectively dismantled a number of Organised Crime Groups.
We have been working with the Police and other partners to capitalise on this success through a range of prevention, enforcement and diversionary activities.
We are asking people to be alert to the grooming and exploitation of young and vulnerable people who may be drawn into gang activity, to be especially vigilant regarding cuckooing, drug dealing and money lending.
What is cuckooing?
Cuckooing is how the police describe a particular type of crime that has become more common in Northampton and could be happening in your neighbourhood.
It is where gangs travel from their home city to other locations and take over the homes of vulnerable people to use as a base for selling drugs. They usually befriend the resident or supply them with drugs to initiate the relationship before taking control of their home. Often people with mental health problems or addictions are targeted, sometimes the criminals simply target loneliness or isolation to take advantage of their victims.
Cuckooing - signs to look out for:
In many cases there is often a rise in anti-social behaviour in places where cuckooing is taking place.
Some common signs of cuckooing are:
- Lots of people coming and going from a property
- Communal doors being wedged open
- Evidence of drug use
- Noise nuisance or disturbances
- Drastic changes in the way a neighbour is behaving
Alongside an increase in anti-social behaviour, the tenant is seen less often and in some cases is never seen alone.
If you are concerned about a neighbour or what is happening in a property near you, call us in confidence on 0300 330 7003. You can also make reports make reports anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at Crime Stoppers.