Six Arrests Made and Suspected Class A Drugs Seized in Stockton Operation Artemis

Six arrests were made, suspected class A drugs recovered, and a moped seized in July’s Operation Artemis in Stockton.

The initiative saw activity carried out across the Stockton district on Wednesday 10^th July, including warrants, off-road bike patrols and engagement events at various locations in the town centre.

Operation Artemis brings together police resources from across the force and regional partners to conduct a day of action to meet operational requirements in the district, focussing on crime and antisocial behaviour.

Engagement events saw a family fun event held at the local Farooq E Azam Mosque & Islamic Centre in Bowesfield Lane which had great attendance from the local community, neighbourhood policing officers and partner agencies including Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. Officers also utilised a shop space in Wellington Square and used this an engagement hub for the local community.



Throughout the day, there were a total of six arrests made. These were…

• A 52-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs after a drugs warrant was carried out on Skinner Street. He was later bailed whilst enquiries continue.
• A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted theft from a shop, assault a person occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.
• A 31-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of robbery and was also bailed whilst enquiries continue.
• A 39-year-old man was arrested and charged with shop theft. He is due to appear at Teesside Magistrates Court on Friday 2^nd
• A 45-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of ABH and bailed pending further enquiries.
• A 25-year-old woman was arrested and charged with breach of a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) and was due to appear to appear at Teesside Magistrates Court on Wednesday 10^th
  
  

Suspected class A drugs were recovered, and a moped was seized in Billingham, with two warning notices issued for antisocial driving. The moped was also believed to have been used in potentially criminal activity. Off-road bike patrols were carried out in areas known to police as being hotspot areas for this type of activity.

District Commander for Stockton, Superintendent John Wrintmore, said: “Yesterday’s Operation Artemis activity was yet another success, with police and partners coming together to engage with our local communities, and tackle the issues that are important to them.

“Operation Artemis highlights the work that is ongoing every day by our officers to help solve issues for those in our local communities and arrest those suspects who may have been involved in criminal activity.

“Engagement activity in the town centre was well received and we are grateful for the positive feedback. We know that visibility is important and we will keep doing everything we can.”

Speaking about the family fun day held at the Farooq E Azam Mosque & Islamic Centre, Councillor Norma Stephenson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: “We were very pleased to be a part of the family fun afternoon at the mosque to meet local residents and families. 

“It was a good opportunity to listen to people’s feedback and hear ideas how we can work with partners to help improve the lives of people who live or work in the Ropner ward.”