Operation Publican saw drugs dog Dibley visit Solihull

Operation Publican saw a drugs dog ‘Dibley’ deployed into Solihull town centre on Friday (29th July) as part of the regular town centre police partnership patrols.

Officers from Solihull Police Station and West Midlands Dog Unit attended premises to assist them in keeping their bars and clubs drug free.

The operation is set to be a regular part of management of the town centre – those who enter bars and clubs with drugs face the risk they’ll be met with a dog and arrested.

PC Woodall and the drugs dog scanned customers entering bars to identify those carrying drugs – as a result seven people were found in possession of cocaine, seven people were refused entry as there was suspicion they had been in contact with drugs, and numerous wraps of cocaine were recovered dropped by customers who saw Dibley.

One individual ran from the queue of a bar, dropping drugs as he went, unfortunately for him the clubs door policy is to take identification prior to entry, meaning police officers are able to trace the individual – he will be arrested later this week.

All those found in possession of drugs will be prosecuted and have been excluded from local bars and clubs through the town’s Pubwatch scheme.

PC Luke Prescott, officer in charge of the operation, said “We work closely with our bars and clubs. This operation was to show support and offer an additional tool to keep the town centre drug free.

“In the last three months one bar has detained eleven people for possession of drugs as a result of having a proactive door policy, undertaking quality searches of customers as part of their entry policy.

“It’s important we support this type of work being undertaken by our clubs and stand alongside our responsible licensees in order that drugs are kept out of the town.

“Solihull has a vibrant night time economy and is remarkably safe. However there is a clear link between drug use and violence, keeping drugs out is all part of keeping the town safe”

A spokesperson for the Solihull Police Partnership Team said: “Solihull town centre has a low crime rate, however, violent crime has a real impact on victims.

“Over the last six months violent crime linked to the night time economy has reduced. However when assaults occur, tests carried out on offenders in custody often show that they have used drugs.

“The link between drug use and violence is clear and makes this type of operation important, keeping drugs out and the public safe.

“As part of this operation Solihull Integrated Addiction Service were present in the town engaging with the public and offering drug and alcohol advice when appropriate.

“Also present were Solihull Licensing Team who engaged with the public and visited licensed premises, and FastAid who were present to offer first aid to any member of the public in need.

“Partnership operations are a regular part of management of the night time economy and working together more closely organisations have been able to have a greater visible presence and achieve shared aims, such as a reduction in crime.”

Read more and watch video: http://www.solihullgetinvolved.co.uk/2016/08/01/solihull-town-centre-gets-visit-dibley/