Police reflect on positive results following proactive work in 2024
Policing teams in Plymouth have looked back at what has been both a challenging but proactive year. From handling an unexploded World War two device, to carrying out complex police operations that cut through county lines gangs, the teams have done much to help make the city safer.
Chief Superintendent Scott Bradley, who leads the police teams in Plymouth, said: “Reflecting on our work during 2024 has been really positive. We’ve taken many steps to make our communities safer and deter criminals from operating within the city.
“However, it’s important that we acknowledge that policing the area over the last year has not been without its challenges. Our teams faced a number of significant incidents which understandably sent ripples through our communities. I don’t underestimate the impact this had on people - it was a tough year for many. But one take away for me is how inspiring it was to see communities pulling together to support one another during these times.
“I certainly know there is more for the police to do – we aren’t where we want to be yet and there are still improvements that both myself as the Commander and members of the public want to see moving forward.
“Communities are telling us they want to see more police on the streets, they want their reports to be handled quickly and effectively, and action taken against criminals.
“As we move into the beginning of 2025, I want the public to know our commitments to them as police force; that we want our police officers to be visible within communities, we will respond quickly to emergency calls for help, reports will be taken seriously, and we will proactively pursue criminals who aim to cause harm. Knowing that the public have confidence that we will keep them safe is a priority to us.
“Together, we can make Plymouth a safer place to live, work and visit. To do so, it’s important that people report crime and incidents to us and engage with officers to share their concerns. Whilst we can’t be everywhere at all times, communities can help us create a clear picture of what’s happening in the city when we’re not there. This isn’t something the police can achieve alone – we need the support of communities to make a difference.”
Some of the successes that have taken place in Plymouth includes the introduction of the specialist neighbourhood support team and much work to tackle drugs in the city.
Specialist team conducts 1,000 of high-visibility foot patrols
Plymouth’s Neighbourhood Support Team (NST) was introduced in January last year. They work in communities to tackle specific short- and long-term problems affecting local people; this can include issues such as spikes in antisocial behaviour, shoplifting and other crime affecting communities.
The NST worked across a number of neighbourhoods, carrying out over 1,000 hours of high-visibility foot patrols. Their work resulted in 50 people being arrested for a variety of offences including violence and drugs. Among numerous achievements, they were also responsible for the seizure of £20,000 worth of drugs and an arrest of an individual suspected of supplying drugs to young people under the age of 18.
Ch. Supt Bradley commented on their achievements: “There is no doubt about the positive impact that the NST has had on the safety of communities. I know their additional presence has provided reassurance to the public and enabled us to build positive relationships with neighbourhoods, leading to a number of people, including those who wouldn’t normally come forward to the police, reporting information about crime.”
Over 12,000 emergency calls for help attended
Overall, police teams in the city responded to over 12,500 emergency calls for help in 2024, averaging over 1,000 per month. Patrol officers are often the first to attend these calls for assistance from members of the public.
“We’ve seen an improvement in the time it takes for officers to arrive on scene after receiving a 999 call from the public - it’s a clear step in the right direction. Getting there quickly remains an absolute priority for us and there will continue to be a focus on improving our attendance times in 2025,” commented Ch. Supt Bradley.
“Our frontline officers are vital in our effort to keep the public safe. They work every day running head-on into emergency situations where people are experiencing frightening and often life-threatening situations. They attend these calls knowing very little about the situation they’re going to be faced with – their dedication and commitment to keeping people safe from harm is evident in all that they do.”
Proactive county lines work results in 42 arrests
In June last year, a joint two-day operation with Merseyside Police took place to tackle county lines. County lines is the name given to drug dealing where organised criminal groups (OCGs) use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas. They exploit vulnerable people, including children and those with mental health or addiction issues, by recruiting them to distribute the drugs.
The activity led to the arrest of 42 suspects, recovery of ten dangerous weapons and the seizure of drugs with an estimated street value of £35,000. In addition, £9,500 in cash was seized, and eleven vehicles and two Rolex watches. Over 300 intelligence submissions about county lines activity were also submitted to police.
Ch. Supt Bradley shares the importance of this unpredictable targeted work: “This was a significant success for us. We were able to remove harmful substances and weapons from our streets, creating a substantial disruption to people looking to deal drugs in our city. Work will continue throughout 2025 to pursue and target offenders linked with county lines and the broader supply of controlled drugs.”
Deterring criminals from Plymouth
“Investigating crime that has happened or is happening is a large part of our work. However, a huge element of what we do involves prevention - stopping crimes from happening in the first place,” Ch. Supt Bradley commented.
“Prevention and education work is carried out by our neighbourhood police teams, which are the officers you usually see on foot patrol, at community events and engaging with businesses. They work closely in communities alongside partner agencies to problem solve long-term issues, pursue prolific criminals and deter people from illegal activity.
“Tracking the crimes that haven’t happened as a result of the work carried out by our neighbourhood officers is hard to quantify. From the feedback we receive, I know their presence was felt across the streets of Plymouth. Their role played a key part in making the public feel safe.
“Proactive work to deter and disrupt criminals from operating in Plymouth will continue throughout 2025, using a variety of unpredictable and effective tactics.”
Ch. Supt Bradley reflects on the overall positive impact policing teams have had in 2024: “Looking back at the work that took place last year is inspiring. I am proud of what each and every police team has been able to achieve together. Their drive, commitment and bravery to keep our communities safe is truly evident.
“We wouldn’t have been able to achieve this without the support of the public, and indeed our partner agencies across the city, so thank you to each of you.”
“I’ll end where I started, with an acceptance that there is always more to do. Please help us keep the city safe as we enter 2025, and beyond”.
