TEST Valley police have praised the work of stop and searches in reducing the number of drug gangs entering the district.

This comes as the latest figures were released for the Test Valley, covering July to September.

The statistics show that 74 people were stopped for drug searches.

Chief Inspector Hayley O’Grady said: “Through excellent work from our teams across the district, we have seen a decline in the number of drug gangs entering Test Valley. This has been achieved through our robust and targeted district plan, ensuring the area is a hostile place for those wishing to exploit vulnerable people and sell drugs. Coinciding with this, we have also seen a decrease in the disproportionality rate for a black person.

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“In addition to our work on drug supply, we have also targeted commercial burglars, and have doubled our stop and search rates for stolen property. A focus on shoplifting has also seen an increase in our stop and search rates.

“Our arrests have doubled, showing a good use of the stop and search power and the importance of its use when tackling not only drug related harm but also acquisitive crime.

“Our positive outcome rates are the highest they have been for the last 12 months, which is largely due to a more dedicated focus through the setting of clear and targeted district priorities and the move to a new operating model across the entire force.”

The total number of stops was 97, up from 81 in the previous three months. Arrests doubled, from six to 12. 

The report revealed that black people are three times as likely to be stopped by police than white people.

The reasons for the stops were: criminal damage - three, drugs - 74, offensive weapon - six and stolen property - 14.