Drug and driving offenders tackled in Selsey

Officers from the Chichester Neighbourhood Policing Team supported by colleagues from the Specialist Enforcement Team (SEU) have been tackling drug and driving offences in Selsey.

'Operation Harp' was held in April and May in response to intelligence gathered relating to drug offences, police have said.

Concerns from local residents have also been raised about anti-social driving in the local area and the effect that was having on the community.

Chief inspector Jon Carter, district commander said: “We are committed to catching criminals, protecting vulnerable people, and providing an excellent service. This operational activity has come about as a result of listening to the local community and developing intelligence to target those who choose to commit offences.

"We will continue to provide an intelligence led targeted approach to tackling crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour across the district, and to seek sustainable solutions to those matters causing the greatest concern to the community."

As a result of the activity that took place:

• A vehicle was stopped on Bonnar Road with two occupants inside. The vehicle was searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act and an amount of cannabis and cash was recovered. The driver of the vehicle failed a roadside drug wipe test and was arrested. Both occupants were arrested for possession with intent to supply and theft of a bank card. Both were released under investigation.

• A 17-year-old boy was stopped on a scooter, searched and found to be in possession of cannabis and having fraudulent identification. This matter was dealt with by officers and he was referred to the youth offending team.

• A vehicle was stopped in High Street, Selsey, after it was seen driving with an offside tail light was defective. Upon stopping the vehicle the smell of cannabis was detected. The vehicle was searched and a small amount of cannabis was recovered. The driver was arrested after failing a roadside drug test. A fixed penalty notice was issued for possession of cannabis and the driver was released under investigation for the driving offence.

• Three vehicles were seized for being driven without insurance and/or a driving licence and two people were stopped for drug searches and for speeding.

Following this activity, residents are asked to continue to contact police with any behaviour they consider to be suspicious. These reports help us to build up a picture of what is happening in your local community.

Report online or ring 101.