Police warning on ‘cannabis use’ in town’s public places

Thames Valley Polices said they’ve recently dealt with ‘multiple’ reports of cannabis being smoked in public places, close to residential properties.

Reports say the smell of the drug has caused an impact on the lives of locals, and police warned that smoking it is not a ‘victimless activity’.

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The police’s Wantage and Grove Neighbourhood Policing Team issued a statement after receiving a large number of complaints relating to the issue.

A statement from the force said: “We’ve responded to multiple reports of cannabis being smoked in public areas close to residential properties.

“Whilst some may view cannabis use as a victimless activity, residents have understandably raised concerns about the impact it is having on their quality of life, particularly during the recent hot weather.

“Nobody wants their home smelling of cannabis when they’re trying to enjoy fresh air through open windows or dry washing outside.

“Cannabis remains a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and where offences are identified we will take appropriate action.

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“We would encourage anyone experiencing ongoing issues to continue reporting them to us, as reports help us build an accurate picture of problem locations and identify repeat offenders.”

The force also said they conducted two positive stop searches for drugs during a plain clothes operation in Wantage, and they found and seized cannabis.

Police advised that people should call 999 in an emergency, call 101 for non-emergencies and make reports of crime online via the Thames Valley Police website.