Recognising Drug Activity

Recognising Drug Activity

Dear Wandsworth Common Community Member,

Wandsworth common safer neighbourhood team are asking residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected drug-related activity. Drug crime can have a significant impact on our communities and is often linked to anti-social behaviour, violence, exploitation, environmental damage, and an increased fear of crime.

Common Indicators of Drug Activity

While the presence of one sign alone may not indicate criminality, the following behaviours and circumstances may be cause for concern.

Suspicious Behaviour

Frequent short visits to an address, particularly throughout the day and night.

Individuals entering a property and leaving again within a few minutes.

Hand-to-hand exchanges taking place in public areas.

People meeting vehicles briefly before quickly parting ways.

Individuals loitering in communal areas without an obvious reason.

Vehicle-Related Indicators

Vehicles repeatedly visiting a location for only short periods.

Occupants remaining inside vehicles while multiple people approach.

Vehicles stopping briefly to exchange items or collect individuals.

An unusual increase in traffic to properties that would not normally receive a high volume of visitors.

Signs at a Property

Strong smells associated with drug use or cultivation.

Windows that are permanently covered, boarded up, or blacked out.

Excessive security measures, such as multiple CCTV cameras or reinforced doors.

Extractor fans running continuously.

Unusually high levels of visitors at unsociable hours.

Indicators of Drug Use

Discarded drug-related items, including:

Nitrous oxide canisters

Small deal bags

Foil wraps

Syringes

Burnt spoons or pipes

Other signs may include:

Groups gathering in secluded areas for extended periods.

Individuals appearing disorientated, drowsy, or behaving erratically.

County Lines and Criminal Exploitation

Drug networks often exploit vulnerable adults and young people to transport and supply drugs. Signs of exploitation may include:

Sudden possession of expensive items or large amounts of cash.

Frequent unexplained absences from home or school.

Associations with older or previously unknown individuals.

Possession of multiple mobile phones.

Increased secrecy regarding movements, friendships, or activities.

What You Can Do

✅ Report suspicious activity as soon as possible.

✅ Where safe to do so, make a note of:

Dates and times.

Descriptions of individuals involved.

Vehicle registrations, makes, and models.

Locations.

Any available CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage.

✅ Continue to report incidents, even if they appear minor. Information from multiple reports helps police build intelligence and identify patterns of offending.

Reporting Options

Emergency - 999

Call 999 if:

A crime is in progress.

There is an immediate threat to life.

Violence or serious disorder is occurring.

Non-Emergency - 101

Use 101 to:

Report suspected drug activity.

Share intelligence or ongoing concerns.

Report online via the Metropolitan Police website.

Crimestoppers (Anonymous)

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers:

📞 0800 555 111
🌐 www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Thank you for helping to keep our neighbourhood safe. Working together, we can make our community a safer place for everyone.

Help Keep Our Community Safe!

Biren.

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Message Sent By
Biren Patel
(Metropolitan Police, PCSO, Wandsworth Common Ward)