HMP Highpoint patrols after "increase in throw-overs"

Suffolk Constabulary has said local officers are prioritising patrols at HMP Highpoint in Stradishall, near Haverhill, due to an increase in ‘throw-overs’. 

 “Our patrols around HMP Highpoint form part of regular beat patrols and engagement work with the wider Haverhill community.

"We remain determined to keep taking positive action against drug based criminality and other associated offences, some of which is linked to organised crime groups.”

The Prison Service said, while it had not seen a recorded increase in throw-overs at Highpoint Prison, it was working closely with Suffolk police.

Throw-overs, which see people outside of prison throw items into the prison to be picked up by those inside, are against the law. 

In 2021, a 33-year-old Bury St Edmunds man who was found near a perimeter fence of HMP Highpoint with two tennis balls containing drugs was given a suspended prison sentence.

James Byrne was detained by a prison officer who was patrolling an area after a search found he had two tennis balls in his pocket containing a total of 34.6g of cannabis,15g of tobacco and rolling papers.

Byrne was handed an eight-month prison sentence suspended for two years, was also ordered to do 120 hours' unpaid work and was given a curfew, a rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay £600 costs.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: “There has been no increase in throw-over incidents into HMP Highpoint but we continue to work closely with local police to clamp down on these cases, and our partnership is successfully curbing attempts to smuggle contraband into the prison.

"Nationwide, we’ve invested over £100 million in airport-style security to clamp down on contraband behind bars." 

They said the Prison Service works with Suffolk Police to deter throw overs and conveyance into HMP Highpoint and seek prosecution through the courts of anyone involved in conveying illicit items.