Oswestry police issue warning to four youths in 'county lines' crackdown
Police in Oswestry have issued warnings to four youths believed to be involved in a spate of a anti-social behaviour in the town possibly linked to "county lines" drug crime.
Over the last few months police have received reports and complaints from members of the public that the actions of a small group of youths has been causing harassment, alarm and distress.
Officer believe that the behaviour is drug related, with the youths involved possibly linked to the county lines problem of dealers coming into county towns from outside the region.
Shropshire Detective Chief Inspector Mike Nally said: "The behaviour of these youths has been having a really negative impact on the quality of life for the local community in Oswestry, and while it is only a small minority who are involved, their behaviour has caused a significant amount of distress to local residents.
"We have evidence to suggest that the behaviour is drugs related and possibly linked to county lines. The local community in Oswestry shouldn't have to put up with this type of behaviour and we will do all we can to use the range of tactics we have at our disposal to target those we suspect are involved."
Comply
A written warning can be issued under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act if police are satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that the behaviour of an individual is having a detrimental effect, of a persistent or continuing nature, on the quality of life of those in the locality, and the conduct is unreasonable.
If the behaviour continues a Community Protection Notice could be issued and requires the recipient to comply with certain conditions.
Chief Inspector Nally said: "There is no doubt county lines is having a significant impact in some of our towns in the county, as it is in other county towns right across the country.
"Working in partnership is crucial and we work very closely with other agencies, such as the local authority, housing providers and support services, as part of our serious and organised crime joint action group, to utilise the range of powers we all have to target those who are causing our local communities the most harm."
