A licensing operation by police in Hitchin has detected drugs in 14 different venues.

The operation was conducted last month by the Special Constabulary at Herts police - a team of volunteer police officers. They have the same powers as regular officers, including the ability to arrest.

During the operation on Friday, March 24, the officers visited 38 premises to check whether licensing conditions were being adhered to.

They detected drugs in the toilets at 14 venues. Officers used cocaine wipes and wiped flat surfaces such as toilet lids, cisterns and sanitary bins.

Venues were given advice on how to prevent and tackle drug-taking on their premises.

Eight venues were found to have minor breaches of their licence, including not displaying their premises licence summary, no refusals/incident book, or retaining CCTV footage for a shorter period than stipulated in their licence condition. Follow-up visits and/or letters are being completed.

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Eight venues were also found to have fire safety issues, including blocked fire exits, open fire exit doors, or no smoke detectors. The Fire Authority has been contacted.

Ten premises were given posters about drink-spiking, while a number of premises were given more information about supporting Ask for Angela, a scheme designed to help prevent domestic abuse.

Many were already signed up to the scheme, while some were not interested in joining.

Finally, 24 checks were made on Security Industry Authority (SIA) accredited doorstaff. One security guard was sent home and had his licence seized, after it was found to have expired. Further enquiries are being carried out by the SIA.

Kuljit Sangha, Hertfordshire Constabulary's senior licensing officer for North Herts, took part in the operation and said: “I am pleased that this operation did not identify any major issues with the premises’ licences and the minor breaches that were identified should not take too long to resolve. I hope this is reassuring to those who enjoy Hitchin’s nightlife.

“I would like to thank all the venues for taking the time out of their schedules to comply with our visits.

“Operations like this are really important as they ensure that licensed premises are adhering to the stipulated conditions. Not only do these operations highlight any issues that need sorting but it gives us a chance to share advice, such as around preventing drug use.

“I would like to say a big thank you to the specials for helping out. Their support was very much appreciated and the results of the operation show the impact that their volunteering has on helping the constabulary to keep the public safe.”