Drugs suspects caught by Doncaster police Covid 19 patrols

Although our work is currently dominated by Covid 19 related patrols, it is certainly not time out for criminals, writes Insp Adrian Luscombe.
By David Kessen
Published 16th Apr 2020, 10:00 BST
Updated 20th Apr 2020, 12:52 BST
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Mexborough has seen more Covid breaches than some areas in Doncaster West, some down to crime gangs.

We have additional patrols everywhere at present and on March 30 we carried out a stop and search on a playground at Schofield Street, leading to an arrest for possession of class A drugs. The suspect was released under investigation.

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We also stopped and searched a man on Wath Road, Mexborough, with a significant amount of cannabis seized.

Det Insp Steve Smith briefs police officers at the park on Schofield Street, Mexborough, ahead of a previous operation. Now officers on Covid 19 patrol have made an arrest thereDet Insp Steve Smith briefs police officers at the park on Schofield Street, Mexborough, ahead of a previous operation. Now officers on Covid 19 patrol have made an arrest there
Det Insp Steve Smith briefs police officers at the park on Schofield Street, Mexborough, ahead of a previous operation. Now officers on Covid 19 patrol have made an arrest there

People stand out at the moment because there are so few out and amount.

Mexborough and other areas have seen rises in nuisance bikers, and on March 30, we seized a motorbike from a man riding on Clayfield View. It was against the Covid 19 laws, so he was issued a warning and his motorbike seized.

Edlington has seen us receive reports of Covid 19 breaches and nuisance vehicles. We seized a black and a red Astra in recent weeks, both driven antisocially on the Royal estate, uninsured.

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We also gave out two tickets on the royal estate to people we think may be involved in drugs dealing, for breach of Covid 19 restrictions. They were fined after more than one warning.

Conisbrough saw two motorbikes seized at Steetley Quarry, with riders warned about breaches of Covid rules; and has seen incidences of businesses receiving warnings over Covid regulations, including a car wash.

Sprotbrough has seen fly tipping increase in certain more rural areas, possibly in connection with tips being closed. We are linking with council enforcement teams to deal with this, with patrols.

When the lockdown first started, Anchorage Lane skate park and Cusworth Park were hotspots for people congregating. That has tailed off.

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Bentley has seen us giving advice to the owner of a gym, who was still open against the new laws. He has now closed, and the concern was that it was a high risk.

Stunningly, Adwick saw a man driving around throwing fireworks out of the window. We managed to stop him and act over fireworks offences, motoring offences, and breaking the Covid rules.