Drugs crime tops public concern

A NATIONAL crime-fighting charity is urging Oldhamers to help police rid communities of drugs.

The Crimestoppers initiative co-incides with the National Tackling Drugs, Changing Lives Week — which ends tomorrow.

Gary Murray, regional manager for Crimestoppers North-West, said: “Nationally, around 50 per cent of information passed to Crimestoppers is about drug offences, so the public are clearly concerned about drugs in their communities.

“In the last 12 months in Greater Manchester, Crimestoppers received more than 5,000 calls. Some 2,700 of those were about drugs.

“This led to 292 arrests, which is an excellent ratio and demonstrates that the people of Greater Manchester will not tolerate drugs and the problems that come with it.

“Drug-related crime impacts on communities by creating more drug addicts and further fuels additional crimes, which brings further dangers to communities.”

Nationally, between April, 2008 and March, 2009, more than 50 per cent of those arrested and charged with the help of Crimestoppers information were drugs-related offences.

To report crime anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.