Central

Reports of ongoing drug taking and dealing in public spaces.

We would like to update residents on the continued police activity taking place in the area as part of our work to tackle drug‑related crime and organised criminality.

Over recent weeks, officers have carried out targeted operations based on intelligence gathered from both police activity and information provided by the public. This has led to several arrests and the seizure of controlled drugs. Our teams are continuing to develop further intelligence, and we strongly encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour to report it to us via 101, or online through the Humberside Police website.

Following community feedback, an environmental audit identified that overgrown trees and bushes were reducing visibility in certain locations. The council acted promptly to cut back foliage, which has already had a positive impact on local safety and visibility.

We have also increased policing in the area, deploying both highly visible patrols and plain‑clothes officers. This proactive approach has resulted in multiple arrests and a noticeable reduction in reported incidents and demand for service.
Through Humber Talking and ongoing engagement with residents, we have seen increased confidence in the policing response. Community feedback has been positive and has provided valuable information that continues to support our operations.
To date, we have arrested, charged, and remanded two individuals linked to an organised crime group (OCG). In addition, several street‑level dealers operating on behalf of the group have been arrested and charged.

While these issues have now significantly reduced, we remain vigilant. Officers in both plain clothes and uniform will continue to patrol the area to provide reassurance and proactively target anyone involved in criminal activity.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and work alongside our partners and the community to keep the area safe.

Complaints received from local businesses and members of the public regarding ASB through begging and street drinking in Hull City Centre leading to people feeling unsafe.

During Summer 2025, the city centre experienced far fewer issues related to street drinking and associated anti‑social behaviour compared with previous years. This improvement is partly due to the continued use of Operation Luscombe, as outlined previously, and the strong partnership work taking place across the city.

Neighbourhood officers continue to work closely with licensing authorities, routinely visiting licensed premises to ensure all conditions are being followed. This includes monitoring the sale of reduced‑strength alcohol, compliance with single‑can sales conditions, and reinforcing the requirement not to serve anyone who is intoxicated or known to have previously caused anti‑social behaviour while under the influence.
Operation Luscombe, first introduced by the City of London in 2018, remains a key part of our approach. The operation uses a four‑stage "traffic light" system designed to encourage individuals involved in begging or street drinking to engage with support services. This approach recognises that many of those involved have complex needs and may be vulnerable. The focus is on long‑term problem‑solving using appropriate anti‑social behaviour legislation, rather than relying solely on arrest.
Police and the Council have also worked together on a public consultation to strengthen the existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). The new PSPO came into effect on 21 March 2025, providing additional powers to help tackle persistent anti‑social behaviour in the city centre.

Under the new PSPO, it is prohibited within the designated area to:

Make any verbal, non‑verbal, or written request for money, goods, or donations in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, anti‑social behaviour.
Loiter, sit, or lie on the ground — including in doorways or near cash machines — in a way that causes, or is likely to cause, anti‑social behaviour.
Consume alcohol in any public place within the PSPO boundary, or possess an open container believed to contain alcohol.

In addition, within the Safer Entertainment Zone, individuals who are asked to leave by an authorised officer due to their behaviour must not remain in or return to the area within 48 hours.

As of February 2026, Twelve Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) have been issued to prolific offenders, with a further three awaiting their court hearings.

These combined efforts reflect our continued commitment to keeping the city centre safe, reducing anti‑social behaviour, and ensuring support is available for those who need it.

Rough Sleeping/Drug Taking Council Carparks

During the summer months, this issue has not been widely reported by members of the public. However, as weather conditions change, we know from previous years that these concerns are likely to re‑emerge. Both the Police and the Council continue to work closely together and are exploring further long‑term solutions to address this ongoing challenge.

This remains a complex issue that requires a balanced and sensitive approach. Our priority is to protect the public from harm while responding to concerns raised by residents, businesses, and partner agencies.

We continue to use the principles of Operation Luscombe, which focus on supporting individuals with complex needs while tackling associated anti‑social behaviour. Alongside this, officers are working collaboratively with Outreach services, Renew, and the Changing Futures Hub to ensure that those we come into contact with are offered appropriate support pathways.

Any environmental concerns identified by officers—such as littering, debris, or other associated issues—are promptly reported to Council Clean‑up Teams, and we encourage the public to do the same.

To date, twelve Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) have been issued to individuals persistently involved in this behaviour, including conditions restricting access to certain council‑owned car parks.

Work will continue throughout the winter period to keep the area safe, support vulnerable individuals, and respond effectively to emerging issues.