Inside a Paignton drugs operation: Alison Hernandez on keeping Torbay nightlife safe

On a freezing cold January Friday night in Paignton, I joined police officers on an unannounced Pubs Against Drugs operation to disrupt and deter drug use and make nights out safer in the town. 

These operations are carried out across Devon and Cornwall throughout the year. It is such a great way to show people that the police take tackling drugs seriously and sends out a clear message that drug use will not be tolerated in our pubs and clubs. 

In Paignton, incredibly well-trained police drug dog Jasper was joined by policing teams from South Devon, as well as Special Constables who give up their time for free to help keep our communities safe. 

During the evening, visits to eight pubs in the town were carried out. It was heartwarming to see people out enjoying themselves in the pubs, especially at a time when the industry is struggling to stay afloat. 

It was reassuring to see the efforts being made by licensees to keep their pubs safe and the positive way they interacted with police during the operation.  

At two of the pubs the police visited, managers went out of their way to tell me how much they welcomed the police action because of the message it sends to their customers about drug use not being acceptable.  

Although little drug use was found, inevitably some positive searches were conducted. Quantities of both Class A and Class B drugs were found. The presence of police in the pubs also resulted in the arrests of two wanted men. 

One was wanted on warrant and the other was being sought in relation to domestic violence offences which demonstrates how beneficial these operations are in tackling crime. 

Paignton Inspector Pete Giesens, who heads up the local Neighbourhood Police Team, organised the action in the town. He told me about the great relationship his officers have with licensees and bar staff, as well as door security officers, to ensure that unwanted behaviour is dealt with in the night time economy. 

Tackling drugs remains one of key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan because residents tell me they want it pushed out of their communities. Operations such as PAD show it will not be tolerated and action will be taken. 

My office remains committed to supporting education for both adults and children to help cut crime and save lives.  

A few days after my night out with the police in Paignton I visited Cornwall College in Camborne where many students completed my Young Voices in Policing online survey. Alarmingly, out of all the responses we have gathered so far, 40 per cent were either concerned or very concerned about drug use in their age group, and eight per cent said they have experienced or witnessed drug use in the past 18 months. 

There is no place for drugs in our region. Issues can only be tackled by disrupting organised criminal groups, reducing supply and demand, delivering effective treatment, and protecting young people from exploitation.  

A holistic and trauma responsive approach to tackle the root causes is required and that’s why I am such an advocate of specialist providers such as Harbour Housing in St Austell. I have personally seen how its incredible model and ethos has transformed the lives of its service uses by tackling homelessness, drugs, alcohol, mental health issues and unemployment.  

It also brings great benefits to the local community by reducing antisocial behaviour, and I would love to see this model replicated across Devon. 

There are also many other organisations and charities out there who are playing their part such as North-Devon based Addicts to Athletes. Last year, under my office’s Community Grant Scheme, they were awarded £5,000 – the biggest grant they have received – to continue delivering the benefits of free physical activity to help adults suffering with addiction, including drugs, alcohol and gambling. 

I would encourage anyone who is struggling with drug abuse or knows someone who is to reach out for support.   

To report drug dealing in your community, go online - Home | Devon & Cornwall Police - or speak to your local officers. You can also pass on information to independent charity Crimestopppers and stay anonymous by calling 0800 555111 or visiting their website Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers