Does Harpenden Have A Drug Problem?

Does Harpenden have a drug problem? Recently I saw an old school friend, who grew up in Harpenden and who now lives in North London. Over a glass of wine, she told me that she had advised a friend against moving to Harpenden with her young child as she felt it wasn’t a good place to bring up children. Her reasoning; too much wealth and drugs. Controversial. So many of us see it as a happy and safe place to nurture our young, don’t we? But is there a shred of uncomfortable truth in her argument?

Last month, Herts Police announced that under ‘Operation Crystal,’ targeting criminals involved in drug dealing, they had raided twenty addresses in six towns across the County, Harpenden included.

Several arrests were made as police recovered quantities of Class A and B drugs and nearly £20,000 in cash. Amongst those arrested, a 43 year old man from Harpenden for possession of criminal property.

Whilst Harpenden is known to be a safe town with a low rate of crime, could it be that the youth of the town are at risk from dealers who prey on the children of a well off community? Do ‘party drugs’ accompany a privileged upbringing or is that an urban myth? Have you been offered drugs in Harpenden? Tell us what you think at harpendenpeople.

Meanwhile, Herts Police urge any resident who suspects drug dealing in the local neighbourhood to contact them via the anonymous Crimestoppers phone line 0800 555 111 or via the Herts Police website, using a secure on-line form.