Man arrested during Hatfield drugs warrant

A man was arrested this morning (Wednesday 21 May) during a police warrant to tackle drugs in Hatfield.

A warrant was conducted at two properties in Haven Close, following intelligence and concerns from authorities that a home was being used for cuckooing.

Cuckooing is when criminals befriend and take over a vulnerable person’s home to conduct criminal activity.

During the warrant, a 33 year old man from Bedford was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in supplying a controlled drug. He remains in custody at this time.

The warrant was conducted by the Welwyn Hatfield Community Safety and Neighbourhood Policing Teams alongside the constabulary’s County Lines Investigation Unit and Operational Support Group.

Tenants in the property who are thought to be the victims of cuckooing are being supported by the police and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council.

The other property is believed to have been abandoned. It has been taken into immediate possession by the council so that it can be put back into council housing stock.

Sergeant Neil Gordon, from the Community Safety Team, said: “Tackling drugs in the local area is a neighbourhood priority for us, as requested by residents who took part in our priority setting survey on Herts Connected.

“I hope this news reassures the community that we are taking this seriously. Warrants like this are achieved by your help in reporting suspicions. Please continue reporting concerns about drug activity so that we can take action.”

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

You can use our community voice platform ‘echo’ to let us know what you think we should be prioritising in your area. Your feedback will help towards shaping our local policing priorities, initiatives and campaigns. Visit bit.ly/hertspolice-psf and tell us your thoughts.