A new, state-wide campaign aimed at mobilising members of the public in the fight against the drug “ice” has arrived in Wollongong Local Area Command (LAC), NSW Police say.
The “Dob in a Dealer” campaign has been funded by the Commonwealth Government, and is currently taking place in states and territories across Australia.
In NSW, the campaign is being held in 21 LACs across the state over a six-month period between March and September 2016.
It will run in each LAC for two weeks, during which police and Crime Stoppers will conduct intensive community-engagement activities.
These will highlight the important role members of the public have to play in helping police to shut down drug-manufacturing syndicates and arrest drug suppliers.
During the campaign, people who live in the Wollongong area will be urged to contact Crime Stoppers, where they can report drug-dealing activities anonymously.
Data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research illustrate the burgeoning “ice” (crystal methylamphetamine) problem.
In the 36 months to September 2015, arrests for amphetamine possession soared by 75.3 per cent across NSW (up from 5,063 in 2013 to 8,876 in 2015).
Over the same time period, arrests for dealing/trafficking amphetamines in NSW increased 34 per cent (from 1,567 in 2013 to 2,099 in 2015).
There has also been a steady increase in the number of clandestine drug laboratories detected by police in NSW. In 2008 there were 55; by last year this had jumped to 106.
The “Dob in a Dealer” campaign will target criminals who are manufacturing and supplying “ice”, and even one phone call to Crime Stoppers can have an enormous impact.
In September 2012, a single, anonymous call to Crime Stoppers led to State Crime Command’s Asian Crime Squad – now known as the Organised Crime Squad – seizing 585 kilos of “ice” a few months later in February 2013.
Wollongong Local Area Commander, Superintendent Joe Cassar, said “ice” is of grave concern to the community, particularly in areas where it has taken hold and is seriously impacting people’s lives.
“Almost every day, police in this area see the effects of 'ice' and other illicit drugs. We want to turn this situation around, and I am sure the people who live here do too,” Supt Cassar said.
“We know drug dealing happens in this command; that’s no secret. However, police cannot patrol every street corner, every alley, every minute of the day,” he said.
“So we are asking the community to help us. Our best weapons in the fight against the manufacture and sales of illicit drugs are the eyes and ears of the public.
“Police rely heavily on members of the public to give us information that will help us investigate crime and make our community safer, so tell us what you know,” he said.
Crime Stoppers NSW CEO, Peter Price, said halting the spread of “ice” requires a whole-of-community response.
“Crime Stoppers is committed to working with NSW Police, community leaders, local residents and the media to gather anonymous information that can help to reduce drug supply and drug-related crimes,” Mr Price said.
“We’re taking this campaign across NSW, and asking everyone to join us in the fight against ‘ice’.
“We want members of the public to play an active role and tell us about criminals who are bringing harmful drugs into their region.
“Making a report to Crime Stoppers is completely confidential. You will never be identified or called up for a court case, but every piece of information you provide can help solve crimes and reduce supply,” Mr Price said.
If you think you have information about someone in your community who is manufacturing or supplying drugs, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 for a confidential conversation or report securely online at www.crimestoppers.com.au.
“Dob in a Dealer” Community Engagement Calendar
14 March 2016: Redfern
21 March 2016: Orana
28 March 2016: Sydney City
11 April 2016: Castlereagh
11 April 2016: Liverpool
26 April 2016: Campbelltown
2 May 2016: Barwon
9 May 2016: Wollongong
23 May 2016: Richmond
30 May 2016: Shoalhaven
13 June 2016: Tweed/Byron
20 June 2016: The Hume
4 July 2016: Coffs/Clarence
11 July 2016: Albury
18 July 2016: Mid North Coast
1 August 2016: Wagga Wagga
8 August 2016: Oxley
22 August 2016: Griffith
29 August 2016: Newcastle City
12 September 2016: Canobolas
19 September 2016: Blacktown
Crime Stoppers is focused on gathering information to stop the supply and manufacture of drugs. If you or someone you know is affected by drug use or addiction, please contact support services such as the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on (02) 9361 8000.
