Drugs offences in Yorkshire rose in first two months of lockdown with reports of dealers using fake NHS badges

Data obtained by Freedom of Information has revealed nearly a 30 per cent rise in drug offences reported in the first two months of lockdown compared with the same period in 2019, despite crime overall dropping by a quarter.

South Yorkshire Police recorded one of the biggest rises, with a 21 per cent increase in reports between March 23 and May 25.

Some 720 drugs-related offences were recorded by the force, compared with 593 in the same period last year. The figure for the first two months after Boris Johnson announced restrictions, however, was similar to the 724 drugs offences recorded in the two months preceding lockdown.

Nationally, the number of incidents rose by 27 percent from the same period last year.

Drugs offences reported to Humberside Police rose by 13 per cent between the same time periods, while North Yorkshire Police saw a ten per cent increase.

However, the figure for North Yorkshire soared by 37 per cent from the two months before and after lockdown.

No figures were made available by West Yorkshire Police.

Data from the National Police Chief's Council, meanwhile, showed a a 25 per cent drop in overall crime in England and Wales in the four weeks leading up to May 10.

It comes as the director of the National Crime Agency (NCA), Lynne Owens, reporting that drug dealers were adapting their methods and, in the initial stages of lockdown, were known to be dressing in high-vis jackets pretending to be key workers and operating from supermarket car parks.

Others, according to gangs expert Professor Simon Harding, have been using fake NHS ID badges and dressing as joggers to move around without being conspicuous.

The Metropolitan Police reported earlier in June that some drug dealers had started providing home deliveries as their trade took a hit during lockdown.

The force’s commissioner, Dame Cressida Dick, said: “We know some of the drug dealers, both in county lines and beyond, have adapted the way they operate. They have had to.

“There has certainly been talk of more home deliveries to people’s houses by those who are brave. That’s certainly what my local officers are telling me, that they are seeing more of that.

“People who aren’t going out are asking for the drugs to come to them. That’s putting the drug dealers more at risk and making them more obvious.”

A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: “Throughout the lockdown period, our officers have continued their proactive approach in dealing with drug related activity across South Yorkshire.

“Whilst many people have remained inside and followed the restrictions of lockdown, criminal activity has continued on our road network and in public spaces. This has allowed for effective use of stop and search and proactive policing activity based on increased community intelligence.

“We have also continued with significant activity, including warrants, in all of our districts, which has seen us achieve some significant seizures and arrests in relation to drug supply.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said: “Proactive policing operations play a big part in the number of recorded drug offences. North Yorkshire Police also has dedicated teams across the county that target both the supply of drugs and work with partners to protect vulnerable people on a daily basis. Information from members of the public is also vital to help us tackle the production and supply of illegal drugs in our towns, cities and rural areas.

“Enforcement activity has not stopped as a result of the coronavirus pandemic – indeed, over the last few months, we have executed a number of warrants to tackle suspected drugs offences proactively and robustly.

"Please contact us if you suspect drug dealing is going on in your area. Your calls help us to build up a picture, and bring those involved to justice."