Bishopsgarth and Elm Tree

Drug use and supply

In Central Stockton we have continued to target drug dealing, particularly where it involves the exploitation of vulnerable persons, including children
We understand that drug use and the need to fund these addictions leads to raised levels of acquisitive crime and anti-social behaviour for residents in Stockton. We are determined to take robust action against those who profit in the misery of others and bring harm to the wider community.
We ask that the public continue to share intelligence and information with us, as we cannot do this without your help.
We have made several positive interventions and the below is a summary of just some of them

Fast parcels
Fast parcels remain an issue across the borough, the practice of having illegal substances posted from abroad to addresses in the UK where they are sold for vast amounts of profit. This is orchestrated by organised crime group members, many situated outside of the United Kingdom. They continue to import misery into the area and prey on the vulnerable to accept packages.
We work closely with UK borders agency, post office and other mail providers to identify those receiving the packages and continue to make multiple arrests and seizures of assets.

Newtown
In Brittania Road, Newtown we have stepped up activities along with the local authority to tackle open air drug dealing.
Multiple arrests have been made along with greater use of stop and search powers.
On 7 December 2025 three people were arrested for possession with intent to supply class A (crack cocaine). Two men were charged and remanded to prison.

We continue to patrol the area and work with partners to close access points to the Old Thompsons scrap yard, replace damaged fencing to reduce access.

Anti Social Behaviour

We constantly monitor call levels and speak to the public to identify areas where anti-social behaviour is taking place. Where required we adopt a problem-solving approach, working with partners agencies including community safety from the local authority
Over recent weeks we have encountered issues at Britannia Road and Dunmail Road, Newtown stemming from drug use and dealing activities- we have proactively made arrested increased the use of stop and search powers and increased patrol visibility in the area. Along with colleagues from the local authority we are cleaning up the area of rubbish and furniture daily. Along with Thirteen housing we take enforcement action against those who permit this activity within their properties.
A new CCTV camera mast has been installed in the area helping us to identify offenders and those who travel into the area to add to the disruption to the quality of life of the residents of the estate.
As mentioned in previous posts we now have dedicated Town centre officers as part of the neighbourhood guarantee. Since the introduction of the officer’s crime and antisocial behaviour has dropped by 29%.
I know this only shows a snap shot and areas in which you live may have localised issues, I would again encourage you to keep reporting issues to us to help us direct resources into the areas where they are needed most.