Massive police operation in Southampton hailed a success

by Ian Sainsbury 

It was a rude 4.30am awakening for many suspected of being involved in drug related crime in Southampton on October 20^th last year when operation Phoenix got underway in earnest.

Teams from the Force Support Unit assisted detectives and officers from across the county as they carried out 40 simultaneous early morning raids in Southampton and a further eight in London and Birmingham

In all more than 600 police officers and staff were involved in the start of Operation Phoenix – the largest ever pre-planned police operation Hampshire has ever undertaken. It is also believed to the biggest of its kind in the UK which resulted in plenty of positive media coverage for the force both locally and nationally.

A large quantity of suspected drugs and stolen property and cash was recovered and 36 people have since been charged as a result of the raids. More are expected as the events of Thursday, October 20 were only the tip of the iceberg for Phoenix.

It was no one day wonder as it is an operation with long term aims making it very unusual. Fronted by the police, the multi-agency project has the backing of Southampton City Council and all the members of the ‘Safer City Partnership’.

It isn’t just aimed at drug dealers but all the associated crime as often those who are part of the drug scene are involved in other crime. For addicts they often have to steal to fund their habit so phoenix will look also at burglary, handling stolen goods, theft from vehicles, street robbery and shoplifting.

The £250,000 operation has had some funding from the government and is being closely watched by them to see if the long-term plans make it a success that could be rolled out across the country.

“This operation is fundamentally aimed at taking out a criminal network of stolen property and drugs, and ensuring that no other criminals are able to come in and fill the void left by those taken out of circulation,” said Chief Superintendent Paul Stickler.

“It’s certainly had an effect, not only did it lead to lots of arrests but it severely disrupted the supply of illegal drugs into the city.”

“None of us want that filled again so for the operation to be successful long-term we need everyone’s help.

“We need all the communities in Southampton to get involved. It is only together we can tackle drug related crime long-term. You can be assured the Safer City Partnership and the police will be doing their bit by carrying on the direct action against criminals and trying to prevent further crime.”

Sergeant Tony Rowlinson has been heavily involved in the long-term aspects of Phoenix. He said: “Over the months to come officers will be carrying out more high visibility patrols in areas identified as hotspots for drug related crime. There will also be further raids and transports links will be targeted to stop drugs getting into the city.

“We’ll also be carrying out random drugs tests with the co-operation of licensees at pubs and clubs to see if people have been in contact with illegal drugs.

“There has also been a huge publicity drive underway to inform people about what has happened and how they can help.

“This has even involved the unusual step of a plane towing a banner across the skies of the city calling on people to ‘Rat on a Rat’ and let the police know about drug related crime by calling Crimestoppers.”

Anyone who does have information is asked to ‘Rat on a Rat’ and call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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