ASBO ‘flying squads’ launched by police and will parachute into crime ‘hotspots’

Published 26/06/2022 · Updated 03/07/2022

Special ‘flying squads’ are being set up by police to crack down on trouble spots. The units, called Kestrel teams, are tasked with tackling drug dealing, car crime and other anti-social behaviour. Unlike conventional bobbies on the beat, the flying squads are parachuted into communities to tackle surges in crime.

They can knock on doors looking for wanted suspects, arrest county lines drugs dealers and police public events. The units were developed by Suffolk police and are backed by policing minister Kit Malthouse. Teams seized GBP33,000 worth of drugs, arrested 66 people, submitted 2,221 intelligence reports and conducted 1,103 hours of patrols in hotspots in the year to last September, Suffolk police said.

‘Nightmare’ guests at theme park resort ‘trash campsite’ and ‘poo in showers’ undefined

Det Supt David Giles of Suffolk police said: “They have the freedom to move to different places to tackle community problems, engage with communities and have adaptable, dynamic movement.

“They might be in one town one day, and another the next.”

Mr Malthouse said fighting crime involved focusing on types of crimes, specific criminals and geography.

He added: “When you combine all three… you often get outstanding results.”

Daniel Kinahan named as part of organised crime group accused of smuggling drugs

Boxer left “morphed” after face was disfigured due to taking 233 punches