As part of our ongoing Operation Shield Initiative, neighbourhood policing teams across Hull East are continuing their efforts to clamp down on crime, targeting the most harmful offenders who prey on our communities.

Our dedicated officers are the backbone of local policing. They use their time to patrol hotspot areas, gather intelligence and work closely with partner agencies to tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour, drug-related crime, and violent offenders. Through high-visibility patrols and proactive engagement with residents, they make a real difference in increasing the safety of our streets.

We spoke with Inspector Jo Harvey, who leads the Hull East Neighbourhood policing teams, to understand how their work contributes to Operation Shield and how the public can support their efforts.

How are the Hull East Neighbourhood Policing Teams involved in Operation Shield?

“Our teams are out their everyday, engaging with the community and ensuring we are acting on their concerns. The information we gather plays a crucial role in identifying offenders and disrupting their activities before they escalate.

“We’re conducting regular high-visibility patrols in known crime hotspots, working alongside specialist teams to disrupt criminal networks. We also focus on early intervention, working with local authorities to prevent crime before it happens.

“We are also securing multiple disclosure orders on problem properties linked to drug-related activity. This means criminals are losing the spaces they rely on, making it harder for them to operate in our communities.

“People who deal drugs within our communities are living well beyond their means and tend to benefit financially from their crimes whilst exploiting others. As a result of this, as part of Shield we have recently executed four search warrants at various addresses across East Hull to disrupt these individuals and the supply of class A drugs across Hull, and beyond.

“Two men and a woman have subsequently been arrested, and a number of items have been seized including cash, drugs, weapons, and high-end clothing. All three have been released on bail pending further investigation at this time.

“The community impact this type of offending has, is the reason we continue to do everything we can to disrupt criminal networks, removing them, and the drugs they supply and distribute, from our streets.”

What can people expect from their local officers?

“Our residents can expect to see more officers on the streets, more direct engagement, and more action being taken against those who seek to cause harm. We want people to feel safe in their own communities and know that we are listening to their concerns.

“Through initiatives like HumberTalking, we’ve already gathered key information that has led to warrants and arrests. We’re continuing this work, speaking to residents, and acting on what they tell us.”

How can the public support the work being done?

“The best way people can help is by providing us with information. If you see something suspicious or have concerns about crime in your area, let us know. You can speak to officers when you see them on patrol, call 101, or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“We investigate all information we receive, and we would like to reassure members of the public that whilst you may not always see immediate action, the information you provide helps us build the bigger picture of evidence to have the best possible chance of arrests, charges, and eventually, convictions.

“The information we receive from the public is vital and it helps us target the right people which in turn makes our communities safer. We’re already seeing the results of this in the arrests and disruption we’ve carried out as part of Operation Shield."

To stay updated on Operation Shield and neighbourhood policing in your area follow ‘Humberbeat’ on social media or sign up for My Community Alerts at www.mycommunityalert.co.uk.

Find out more about Op Shield