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A local survey conducted by Surrey Police in Redhill last year highlighted that many members of our community are concerned about drug-related issues in our town centre. We would like to provide an update on some of the proactive measures we’ve taken to target county lines drug dealing and safeguard those who are vulnerable to exploitation. Activity has ranged from increased foot patrols in the town centre, with support from the borough council’s Joint Enforcement Team, to targeted warrants at residences of suspected drug dealers. Over the past month, our Uniformed Proactive Team has been focusing on this issue throughout Reigate and Banstead, leading to 16 drug related investigations and multiple arrests. Two of these arrests occurred just last week in Redhill. Five people have been charged with drug supply offences. Alongside apprehending suspects, our local team actively engages with young people in schools and youth settings. We educate them on how to watch out for their friends and seek help if they find themselves in trouble. Additionally, we’ve been reaching out to previous victims of cuckooing—a situation where the home of a vulnerable person is taken over for drug dealing or other criminal activities. To safeguard these individuals, we utilise closure orders that prohibit access to a property. Last week, we arrested a man for breaching one of these protective orders. For more information about county lines and the signs that may indicate someone is involved, please visit the Surrey Police website: https://www.surrey.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/cl/county-lines/ | 
