Crime in Billingham West, Stockton-on-Tees

Issue
Drug dealing and substance misuse cause widespread harm across Stockton District, impacting public safety, community confidence, vulnerable individuals, businesses, and families. Drug supply is closely linked to violence, weapon possession, exploitation, ORB use, ASB, and acquisitive crime.

Strategic Alignment
•Strong on Crime – Targeting those who profit from criminality
•Trusted by Communities – Disrupting activity that causes long term neighbourhood harm
•Committed to Excellence – Intelligence led operations and safeguarding focused approaches

What We Will Do
•Proactive policing, including:
oHigh visibility and plain clothes operations
oStop searches linked to unrelated offences that identify drug possession and supply
oIntelligence led patrols and surveillance
•Execution of Misuse of Drugs Act warrants based on community and partner intelligence.
•Use of drone capability to identify street level dealing and addresses being used to supply drugs.
•Closure of drug related properties through partnership working with the Local Authority and housing providers, including closure orders and tenancy enforcement.
•Targeting exploitation, including those profiting from drug supply and those exploiting vulnerable individuals.
•Tackling associated criminality, including counterfeit goods such as illegal cigarettes and vapes.
•Education and prevention, especially for young people, focusing on:
oHealth risks
oCriminal consequences
oExploitation and long term harm
•Wrap around support for vulnerable individuals drawn into drug use or criminal exploitation.

Desired Outcomes
•Disruption of drug supply networks
•Reduced visible drug dealing and use
•Protection of vulnerable individuals
•Reduction in drug related ASB and violence
•Safer communities and improved public confidence

Issue
Youth related anti social behaviour continues to affect residents and businesses, particularly complaints of disorder, intimidation, nuisance behaviour, criminal damage, and low level violence. Without early intervention, this behaviour risks escalating into more serious offending.
What We Will Do
•High visibility patrols in identified hotspots to deter offending and reassure communities.
•Targeting repeat locations and individuals through intelligence led tasking.
•Use of enforcement tools, including:
oCommunity Protection Notices (CPNs)
oCriminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs)
oTenancy enforcement where appropriate
•Early intervention and prevention, working closely with:
oYouth services
oSchools
oFamilies
oCommunity and voluntary organisations
•Problem solving with partners to address the underlying causes of youth ASB, including vulnerability, lack of engagement, and peer influence.

Desired Outcomes
•Reduction in youth related ASB
•Improved behaviour in public and residential spaces
•Prevention of escalation into serious crime
•Increased reassurance for residents and businesses