Arrests made and drugs and weapons seized thanks to Stockton’s Community Action Team

More than 80 people have been arrested and drugs and weapons have been seized thanks to the efforts of Stockton’s Community Action Team (CAT).

Since its inception in May this year, the CAT team have arrested some of Stockton’s most wanted offenders through arrest attempts, drug warrants and proactive policing.

The team work hard to be visible in the community by carrying out patrols in the local area and regularly seize drugs from the streets through stop searches and warrants.

Just this week, the team dismantled a large cannabis farm on Scurfield Road, Hardwick, believed to be worth up to £230,000.

A 20-year-old man was arrested and charged with being concerned in the production of a Class B drug and he was remanded in custody until his next court appearance.

The CAT team also aim to improve the quality of life for residents by seizing nuisance off-road bikes and regularly assist Stockton Borough Council with closure orders for problem properties.

Chief Inspector Dan Heron, from Stockton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), said: “Our CAT team are neighbourhood officers dedicated to causing as much disruption as possible to criminals. All of my team within neighbourhood policing genuinely care about making Stockton a safe place.

“Proactivity is a critical tactic in getting a grip of those who blight our community, alongside a reactive approach. We are listening to the concerns from the community and I am proud of the results my team are getting in response.

“Information from the community remains vital and I would encourage anyone with concerns to contact us on 101. Every single report is looked at and forms part of the intelligence picture which ultimately helps directs resources.

“If you don’t want to talk to the police, Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phone on 0800 555 111.”