Eagle-eyed traffic wardens are helping to drive drug dealers out of Basildon.

The newly deployed "flying squad" of mobile wardens, equipped with vans and state-of-the-art communication equipment, have tipped off police with vital information about drug dealing in the town.

They have helped to smash a gang who were allegedly selling crack cocaine and heroin in Gloucester Park, passing on information to police despite concerns for their own safety.

Technical support manager for Basildon Council Brian Boyce said: "We have got nine staff on the streets most of the day. They are reporting problems like graffiti and untaxed cars, as well as more serious crimes.

"They are effectively acting like council inspectors - and that is something we want to encourage."

A spate of illegal car parking in Ghyllgrove, backing on to Gloucester Park, drew attention to a gang of drug dealers.

The dealers paid up for the tickets the wardens placed on their cars, but aroused suspicion by continually stopping in the same area.

Mr Boyce said: "The wardens are all equipped with mobile phones and they gave me a call, telling me what they thought was happening. I told them not to get involved, but to stay back and get as much information as they could. It soon became very apparent what was going on."

The wardens gathered details including the number plates of the cars being used and descriptions of the dealers and regular customers.

Three men were later arrested on suspicion of dealing in crack cocaine and heroin.

Community liaison officer of Basildon Police Station, PC Darren Griffin said: "Anything that gives us intelligence on drug dealers has got to be a good thing."

Published Tuesday, April 15, 2003

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