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Latest news in Yorkshire: February 17, 2019 11:37:37 AM
Officers have last night (12 February) executed a warrant in the Barugh
Green area of Barnsley to identify and expose offenders of ‘cuckooing’
and drug dealing as part of a county lines operation.
Cuckooing is the exploitation of vulnerable people by organised crime
groups. Offenders prey on the vulnerabilities of victims, often using
violence to take over their homes.
They may use the house for a few hours, days, or sometimes longer for
the supply and distribution of drugs in one area.
In January, we received reports of cars believed to be drug dealing,
coming and going from an address.
Police Community Support Officers (PCSO’s) attended and completed a
vulnerability assessment on the owner. A 68-year-old man was identified
as being highly vulnerable and susceptible to manipulation. The man also
disclosed to officers that people were using his house for drug use.
They had used threats of violence, which intimated the man and led him
to be too scared to peruse police action.
Following the warrant being executed, two woman were found at the
address. A 29 year-old and a 35 year-old were arrested for possession
with intent to supply at the address.
While officers were there, carrying out their investigations, a man and
woman attended the address in a car. The driver and passenger
immediately tried to drive away, causing damage to a police van. Both
the man and the woman ran off on foot, after a short pursuit they were
detained. A 39 year-old man was arrested for theft of a motor vehicle
and a 45-year-old-woman was also arrested for theft of a motor vehicle.
Following intelligence, prior to the warrant, our officers were able to
work closely with the Stronger Communities Partnership, part of Barnsley
Metropolitan Borough Council to secure a place at a rehabilitation
centre for the victim to receive help for his addiction.
Officers have also obtained a closure order for the property. This
ensures that nobody except the owner, police or council can gain access
for three months.
Sgt David Baines said: “We will continue to tackle this type of
criminality and working with partners to protect our most vulnerable
people and continue to raise awareness.
“This doesn’t mean that those involved in criminality will simply be let
off, but we need to protect them and put safeguarding measures in place
so they do not become a repeat victim of crime or involved in this type
of criminality again.”
“If you suspect somebody is a victim of cuckooing, please contact police
on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”
What are the signs of cuckooing?
An increase in people entering and leaving
An increase in cars or bikes outside
Possible increase in anti-social behaviour
Increasing litter outside
Signs of drug use
Lack of healthcare visitors
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https://wath-on-dearne.com/wathondearne/around-the-dearne-valley/
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[tags news, crime, latest, barnsley]