Independent charity Crimestoppers has today launched a major campaign across the North West of England and North Wales to encourage reporting on those involved in the supply of drugs.
Drug sales fuel many other serious crimes such as shootings, stabbings, County Lines, debt bondage, exploitation of young people, sexual exploitation and modern slavery.
The organisation says that criminals “do not care who they exploit or the violence and damage they bring to our communities. They destroy lives whilst pursuing vast profits.”
It relies on people passing on information so that law enforcement can act upon it.
Detailed anonymous community intelligence that Crimestoppers receives – either online anonymously or via the phone – disrupts gang activity and keeps streets and communities safe.
The charity has put together some questions to prompt the public and encourage them to report what they see or hear:
- Who runs the local drugs trade?
- Which premises are regularly used for drug dealing?
- What are the names of those members of serious crime gangs in the area?
- Are they living a lavish lifestyle but not working?
- Do you know or suspect which ‘cash only’ businesses might be money laundering?
- How do they recruit those who are being exploited?
- Do you have concerns about individuals whose homes have been taken over by drug dealers?
Gary Murray, North West regional manager at Crimestoppers, said: “Sadly, over the last 12 months we have seen many lives lost and families devasted because of the violence associated with drug crime.
“You can help stop the harm caused by drug gangs operating across the North West and North Wales. Only by individuals taking the brave step of speaking up anonymously about what is going on in their areas will we see a cut in the pain and suffering that our communities face.
“If you know who is involved in drug crime or orchestrating a drug gang, please contact our charity. Only you will know you contacted us.
“Every year across the North West and North Wales we receive over 35,000 pieces of `actionable’ or high-quality information. This leads to a significant number of arrests, millions of pounds of drugs seized, and weapons being taken off our streets. We would like to thank those who have previously contacted our charity.
“Remember, we guarantee you’ll stay 100% anonymous. That means no police contact, no witness statement and no courts. I encourage anyone with information to contact us. We will never know who they are because of anonymity, but they have made the North West safer for everyone and made a real difference.”
