POLICE in Haslemere and Midhurst conducted a joint operation aimed at targeting anti-social behaviour and criminality last Friday. The excercise took the form of a high profile police presence in and around the areas of Camelsdale, Haslemere and Fernhurst. As part of Operation Eagle, which is the West Downs initiative to target drug dealing and drug related crime in the community, Sussex Police also executed a warrant in Fernhurst. As a result two people were arrested for possession of drugs with intent to supply and a substantial quantity of drugs were seized. Inspector Jim Bartlett from Midhurst Police said: "Surrey and Sussex Police are working together to tackle the issues that affect both communities in terms of anti-social behaviour and criminal activity". Over previous months the area of Camelsdale has been suffering from a minority of youths congregating on the recreation ground where they have been drinking and acting in an anti-social manner causing a disturbance and considerable anguish to local residents. "We are working closely with our colleagues from Surrey Police and Chichester District Council to tackle these issues. We are also asking for the support of the parents of the youths involved. "Every time a youth is stopped by police a letter is sent to their parents to make them aware of where their children have been during the evening and to seek their help in preventing a reoccurrence. "If the same youths persist in this kind of activity then more robust action will be taken such as acceptable behaviour contracts and ASBOs," added Inspector Bartlett. Inspector Rob Harris from Haslemere said: "Surrey Police are determined to maintain safe neighbourhoods. By working with our Sussex colleagues and other partners we are more effective in providing solution to the cross border anti-social behaviour that has been experienced by our residents. "On Friday we gained a lot of information about who is causing the problems. These individuals will be left in no doubt that their behaviour is unacceptable." Anyone with information is asked to contact Surrey Police. Call 0845 125 2222 for all non-emergency policing matters. Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and wish to remain annonymous.
