As part of a new monthly feature from Northumbria Police, we’ll be helping communities across Northumberland stay up-to-date with current operations, emerging crime trends and prevention advice to keep yourself and your property safe.

This week the new Neighbourhood Inspector for Tynedale, Garry Neill, talks about his new role and what he hopes to achieve as well as discussing daring drug raids and prolific thieves.

Ready and raring to go

“I’ve worked in a variety of roles across the Force and but the one I will always come back to is neighbourhood policing – it is at the centre of everything we do and is something I am very passionate about.

"I love engaging with the public and discovering the needs of these communities and the issues which impact them. This enables us to continue our proactive policing approach which has already shown some fantastic results.

"I also want to build on developing our multi-agency approach, working with partners and alongside communities to best serve and protect them.

"I want to assure the public that we will continue to proactively target criminals and those causing harm by running operations to not only deter such activity but also ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

"The public we serve are invested in their communities and I promise you, so are we!”

Clearing communities of drugs

“We’ve been continuing our work tackling drugs in local communities.

"Earlier this month we carried out a drugs warrant at an address in Hexham and officers also acted upon intelligence which led to the arrest of another man after police stopped his vehicle in Haltwhistle.

"After having their homes searched, both men were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and have now been released under investigation – and the drugs seized remain permanently off the streets.

"These are just two recent examples of fantastic operations carried out by the local Neighbourhood Policing Team to continue to tackle the use and supply of drugs in the local area.

"We will continue our work to proactively target suspects and develop intelligence to take drugs out the hands of offenders and out of communities.”

Watch out there’s thieves about

“Last week a prolific thief was remanded into custody following repeat offending linked to public order, assault and theft.

"Local officers carried out extensive enquiries to secure the outcome by pursuing the individual investigations, obtaining statements and supporting victims.

"The work by officers not only resulted in the 36-year-old woman being remanded into custody but has also continued to strengthen positive relationships with victims and businesses.

"Our police community engagement van will also continue to tour our communities so make sure to come by and speak to officers about any concerns or questions you have.”

For more information on rural crime and further details about what Northumbria Police is doing to tackle crime in your area visit their website.