One week into the ‘Dob in a Dealer’ campaign in Richmond Local Area Command (LAC), police and Crime Stoppers are urging residents to show their support in stomping out the spread of illicit drugs, NSW Police say.
The Commonwealth-funded campaign is currently running within States and Territories across Australia.
In NSW, the campaign is being held in 21 metropolitan and regional LACs over a six-month period between March and September 2016.
It will run in each LAC for two weeks, during which local residents will be urged to help police shut down drug-manufacturing syndicates and arrest drug suppliers by reporting relevant information to Crime Stoppers.
Since the launch of the Richmond campaign last Monday (23 May 2016), local officers have been out in the community distributing information and educating the public on how they can support the campaign.
Both NSW Police and Crime Stoppers NSW representatives have attended local schools to address the students, held discussions at community events, and presented information at the Community Safety Precinct Committee in Lismore.
Richmond Local Area Commander, Superintendent Greg Martin, urged the community to get behind the ‘Dob in a Dealer’ campaign.
"Never underestimate the immensely positive impact you can make through a simple call to Crime Stoppers," Supt Martin said.
"We can’t be on every street corner but together – as a community – we can work together to stem the scourge of illicit drugs.
"Don’t be mistaken – there is certainly no care factor in the manufacture of these substances – you simply do not know what you are putting inside your body and the impact could very well be fatal," Supt Martin said.
"What you know could be the key to shutting down a drug house in your neighbourhood. No matter how small or insignificant it may seem, I urge you to come forward.
"This week, Richmond Police will once again be out in the community to share information on ‘Dob in a Dealer’," Supt Martin said.
"If you see them out this week, stop and have a chat and learn more about how you can show your support for this important campaign."
Crime Stoppers NSW CEO, Peter Price, said drugs can have devastating consequences for the whole community, and putting a stop to the flow of drugs requires a whole-of-community response.
"Local residents often hold the key to information that can help reduce crime, and we are asking people who live in within Richmond LAC to play an active role and report those people that are bringing harmful drugs into the area," Mr Price said.
"If you have already reported something to Crime Stoppers, we thank you; if you have not and know something, we ask that you let us know immediately.
"By making that one anonymous phone call or online report, you could save not only your community from drugs, but also a life," Mr Price said.
Please find below a schedule of the local area commands involved in the campaign, including their proposed start dates.
‘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 June2016: Tweed/Byron
20 June 2016: The Hume
4 July 2016: Coffs/Clarence
11 July 2016: Albury
18 July 2016: Mid North Coast
1 August2016: 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.
