How we're tackling Serious and Organised Crime (SOC)

It’s estimated that SOC costs the UK around £47 billion a year. Its corrosive effect is felt not just nationally but in the pockets of our communities too.

This type of criminality is complex and includes offences like child sexual exploitation and abuse, illegal drugs trafficking, fraud and money laundering, organised immigration crime and cybercrime.

Earlier this week, SOC lead Deputy Chief Constable Wendy Gunney and Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee programme lead, Deputy Chief Constable Catherine Akehurst spoke at the Home Affairs Select Committee to outline exactly how forces are coming together to tackle this abhorrent crime.

They shared some recent operational successes including:

• More than 3,000 additional police officers and PCSOs into neighbourhood teams in the past financial year to support communities
• New training to help neighbourhood officers spot the signs of SOC

• This year’s national County Lines Intensification Week, which, saw more than 2,000 arrests, the dismantling of 335 drug lines and the safeguarding of nearly 800 children
• A total of 42 out of 43 forces are now delivering Clear Hold Build across 74 locations. Nationally this has reduced acquisitive crime by 23.7%, ASB by almost 14% and drug offences by 36%.

The Clear Hold Build framework helps bring police and partners together to tackle organised crime in three steps. First, police clear the area of any criminality through arrests, strike days and targeted activity. They hold the area, stopping any other crime groups moving into the vacuum by carrying out persistent enforcement activity and regular patrols. And finally bring in charities and other agencies to help build a stronger, more empowered community.

Deputy Chief Constable Gunney said:

“While many people might think SOC is a national issue that doesn’t affect them directly, we know that it is felt on the doorstep. Communities absolutely feel the impact whether that be through rising reports of theft, ASB, or violence and drug-related harm.

“Often these types of crimes are seen in isolation and not as symptoms of wider, hidden SOC such as exploitation, drug trafficking and illicit finance. By connecting specialist SOC and neighbourhood officers we are enabling them to understand patterns of offending and see look at escalating behaviours through a different lens.

“I am incredibly proud of the work which has been ongoing in this area and myself and DCC Akehurst will continue working together to support communities to take a stand against SOC.”