Celebrating Operation Spider as it continues to deliver in 2026

Celebrating Operation Spider as it continues to deliver in 2026

In January 2021 we launched Op Spider to address a sharp increase in Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in the Bay. Op Spider is a Police-led partnership approach to reduce ASB, target drug and alcohol-related harm and divert young people from crime. 

When we reviewed Op Spider in January 2024 we recorded a 49% reduction in ASB in three years. The Op Spider structure has been shared as best practice and continues to deliver – as of January 2026 we have not only sustained these initial results but achieved a further 13.5% reduction between January 2025 and January 2026 for the Bay.

Op Spider succeeds because it targets both symptoms and root causes—addressing social, health, and educational risks. This success is only possible through close collaboration with support agencies, schools, youth work providers, housing associations, and health services.

The results are a testament to what we can achieve when working in partnership with the communities we serve.

Of the 78 young people identified as involved in the initial ASB in 2021, 72 have been successfully diverted to supportive agencies, remain clear of the criminal justice system and are no longer involved in ASB or crime.

Your Neighbourhoods Policing Team's across the Island will continue to build on this foundation of reducing ASB and diverting young people into meaningful support.

Sgt Sharland

#OpSpider #LocalBobby #BeatBobby #LocalPolicing #WorkingInPartnership