Two arrested during Hatfield warrant

Two men were arrested in Hatfield yesterday (Wednesday 24 January) when police conducted a warrant following residents’ concerns about drugs and anti-social behaviour (ASB).

The Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) joined up with Op Scorpion and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council to carry out the warrant in Link Walk.

An 18 year old man from Hatfield was arrested on suspicion of the following offences:

• being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug
• possession with intent to supply a class A drug (crack cocaine)
• possession with intent to supply a class B drug (cannabis)

A 37 year old man from Hatfield was arrested on suspicion of the following offences:

• possession with intent to supply a class A drug (crack cocaine)
• possession with intent to supply a class B drug (cannabis)

During the warrant, officers seized a quantity of suspected crack cocaine and cannabis, along with mobile phones and £500 in cash.

Fourteen e-bikes and e-scooters, that are suspected stolen, were also found and seized.

The warrant coincides with Neighbourhood Policing Week (22-28 January) which highlights the vital work of NPTs.  These officers focus on fixing short- and long-term neighbourhood issues such as ASB. They work closely with local partners including the council.

Link Walk and the surrounding area is currently the subject of increased police patrols as part of Operation Oarlock, which aims to tackle ASB, drugs and vehicle theft. The operation is part of a ‘Safer Streets’ response to improving safety in the area and involves a wide variety of local partners including the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and housing providers.

Sergeant Robert Wilson, from the Welwyn Hatfield NPT, said: “We carried out this warrant in response to concerns from the public. I hope this reassures you that we listen to your views and take them seriously.

“It is not fair that residents are made to feel unsafe which is why we are committed to working closely with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and our specialist unit of Operation Scorpion officers (who tackle acquisitive crime) so that we can take action.

“Residents in the Link Walk area can expect to see an increased police presence as part of our ongoing Operation Oarlock. I urge residents to carry on reporting any concerns so that we can take action. Remember, you can also speak anonymously to Crimestoppers who will feed the report back to us whilst making sure you are not identified.”

Councillor Sandreni Bonfante, Executive Member for Environment said: “I am pleased that we were able to support our colleagues in the police with carrying out this warrant. We will continue to work with our partners to tackle drugs and ASB and I encourage residents to report any concerns they may have to the police or Crimestoppers.”

You can report information about drug dealing online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form (opens in a new window). 

You can use our community voice platform ‘echo’ to let us know what you think we should be prioritising in your area. Your feedback will help towards shaping our local policing priorities, initiatives and campaigns. Visit Echo (opens in a new window) and tell us your thoughts.

Officers entering the property 

Seized E-scooters and bikes 

Seized drugs and money