Isle of Wight Police Admit Drug Crisis Outside School Is Spiralling Out of Control
A town councillor has slammed police for not doing enough to tackle the growing drug deals going on right outside Sandown Bay Academy on the Isle of Wight.
Officers Admit Strain and Staff Shortages
At a heated local meeting on Monday, officers confessed resources are stretched thin. “We only have so many officers, and a lot of our time goes into investigating crimes away from the school,” one revealed bluntly. Budget cuts have hit the force hard, leading to visible cracks in patrol coverage.
Drug Dealing Hotspots Spark Concern
The councillor warned the drug dealing problem outside the school is out of control and worsening by the day. Police confirmed they jump in whenever they get tips about dealers or drug exchanges but admitted they need the community’s help more than ever.
“We need better ways to engage with the public to crack down on this,” said one officer. They are also teaming up with partner agencies to move undesirables on from key trouble spots like Sandham Garden.
Working With Schools and Council
Police stay in regular contact with Sandown Bay Academy’s head and ensure an officer presence during busy times like home time. An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson has been approached for comment on measures to tackle the crisis.
