Four people were arrested and more than 15 stop and searches were carried out as police tackled drug activity and anti-social behaviour.

Heightened patrols took place across South Oxhey on Friday and Saturday night in areas known for criminal behaviour.

Police officers, 20 in total, from across the Oxhey, Rickmansworth and Abbots Langley safer neighbourhood teams, as well as undercover and response officers were involved in the operation.

They attended a briefing at South Oxhey police station on Friday night before being sent out to patrol the streets.

Over the two nights, this is what happened:

  • Two men aged in their 20s from South Oxhey were arrested for possession of class B drugs (cannabis).
  • Two men in their late teens, one from Bushey and the other from South Oxhey, were arrested on suspicion of possession of class B drugs as well as driving offences.
  • A 23-year-old man from South Oxhey was stopped and searched by officers, who seized cash and a quantity of cannabis. He was reported for the offence of possession and intelligence has been submitted.
  • A silver Vauxhall Astra was stopped by officers in the Oxhey Hall area and a search was conducted, but nothing was found. The two male occupants were both well-known to police and further intelligence has been submitted.
  • A red Suzuki Swift was stopped by officers on Liphook Road after it was seen being driven erratically. The two occupants – both male – were detained and searched. A small pot of cannabis was found and the driver was given a community resolution due to it being his first possession offence.
  • A 32 year old man driving a BMW 5 Series was stopped by officers in Swanston Path after he was seen actively hiding his face from police. Both he and the vehicle were searched and both cash and drugs paraphernalia was found. Intelligence was submitted.
  • Officers spotted a suspected drug deal happening inside a stationary vehicle on Oxhey Way, which they attempted to stop. One man got out of the car and was detained by officers before it was driven away at speed. The detained man was searched but nothing of note was found. Intelligence was submitted and a marker has been placed on the vehicle, as well as an attention message passed to neighbouring police forces to be aware.

Watford Observer:

Police stop a vehicle in South Oxhey

Sergeant Dan Amos, who leads the Oxhey safer neighbourhood team, said: "Drug crime and the associated anti-social behaviour it brings can make the lives of those living nearby an absolute misery.

"Hard-working law-abiding citizens rightly deserve to live in peace so a targeted operation such as this sends a clear message that we will not tolerate this sort of behaviour in Oxhey, and we will vigorously deal with anyone who choose to engage in criminality. 😠

"I understand that some residents may be disappointed that we did not make more arrests, but I am confident that the team dealt with every situation they came across in a proportionate manner. Please rest assured, we are keeping a close eye on all those people we came into contact with this weekend.

"If you are experiencing issues in your street, then please tell us so we can take steps to tackle it. We will and do listen to the concerns of residents and will not hesitate to take action where necessary and proportionate."