Police hit squad tops 100 arrests tackling crime in Northampton

Priority Team set up four months ago to tackle drug and knife crime
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A crack police squad charged with stamping out drug dealing and anti-social crime in Northampton made its 100th arrest just four months after it was set up.

The ten-strong team led by Sergeant Beth Curlett was established to bring an increased police presence to problem areas in and around the town centre.

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Since it was launched, the Northampton Priority Team have worked flat out on 51 investigations leading to 102 arrests, 27 warrants being carried out and 73 Public Protection Notices issued.

Officers from the Northampton Priority Team head out on another job in town. Photos: Northamptonshire PoliceOfficers from the Northampton Priority Team head out on another job in town. Photos: Northamptonshire Police
Officers from the Northampton Priority Team head out on another job in town. Photos: Northamptonshire Police

Officers have also seized stashes of cash, weapons, mobile phones and drugs.

Sgt Curlett said: "The reason we were brought in was to help resolve issues identified within set geographical areas — the town centre, St Crispins and parts of St James and Semilong.

"These issues range from knife crime, drugs, domestic abuse, child abuse .. anything that is affecting our community.

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"It's worth remembering that the areas we are working in are good, safe areas and nice areas to live.

The team recovered large amounts of cash during one raid in NorthamptonThe team recovered large amounts of cash during one raid in Northampton
The team recovered large amounts of cash during one raid in Northampton

"Sadly there is a minority of people that are making those areas difficult to live in.

"It's right that these people should be looking over their shoulder wondering when police are going to enforce because we are aware of criminality and we will be making arrests.

"It has been a really busy few months but the response we have had since we've been working has been really positive.

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"We've even had public writing letters providing intelligence anonymously because they've seen the work we are doing and are trusting us with that information."

Sgt Beth Curlett leads the ten-strong Northampton Priority TeamSgt Beth Curlett leads the ten-strong Northampton Priority Team
Sgt Beth Curlett leads the ten-strong Northampton Priority Team

PPNs are completed by officers when they identify vulnerable adults or children during incidents or during warrants. The forms are then assessed by the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) which uses the information to gauge the risk to each person and determine whether further intervention is required.