Two people from Brighton have been arrested for drugs offences after flats were raided in Whitehawk today (Monday 23 May).
A man, 26, and a woman, 21, were taken into custody as officers seized 50 cannabis plants estimated to be worth £20,000 to drug dealers.
Sussex Police said that the raids were one of a number of initiatives aimed at cutting crime and anti-social behaviour in Whitehawk.
While the raids – in Whitehawk Way and Findon Road – were taking place, officers were also targeting anti-social driving and abandoned vehicles near by in Wilson Avenue.
Whitehawk neighbourhood policing team Sergeant Sue Pryor said: “It is important to involve the community in the decisions that affect them and to listen to their concerns.
“It is through initiatives such as monthly surgeries, crime prevention forums and day-to-day contact with our communities that shape our policing plan and lead to days of action such as today.
“The execution of these warrants shows our commitment to dealing positively with drug dealing and drug supply in Brighton.”
The 50 cannabis plants were found in Findon Road and a small amount of cannabis in the flat in Whitehawk Way.
Message
Sergeant Pryor said: “We treat all information, no matter how insignificant people may feel it is, very seriously.
“It sends out a message that criminal activity will not be tolerated on the estate.
“Communities cannot be changed by others.
“It takes the support and will of a community to make improvements a reality.
“The fall in crime and anti-social behaviour in this area is a testament to the support we receive from local residents and shows what can be achieved when we work in collaboration with other agencies.
“We share the same goal of making the area a safe and enjoyable place to live so it makes sense to work together.”
Sussex Police said that reports of anti-social behaviour in Whitehawk fell by almost half from 17 to 9 from April 2010 to March 2011 compared with the same period the previous year.
There were 69 fewer reports of criminal damage and 59 fewer vehicle crimes.
Christine El-Shabba, secretary of the Whitehawk Crime Prevention Forum, said: “We have seen Whitehawk change dramatically over the years.
“It saddens me that people judge our area on how it was, not how it is today.”
