A state-wide campaign aimed at mobilising members of the public in the fight against ‘ice’ has today arrived in Richmond 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 designed to educate the public on the dangers of illicit drugs and how they can show their support for the campaign.
These will also highlight the important role members of the public have in helping police shut down drug-manufacturing syndicates and arrest drug suppliers.
During the campaign, Richmond LAC residents will be urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the online portal, where they can report drug-dealing activities anonymously.
Data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has consistently demonstrated the significant impact ‘ice’ is having on our communities.
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 almost doubled, with 106 laboratories dismantled.
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.
Richmond Local Area Commander, Superintendent Greg Martin, said the spread of ‘ice’ has created a worrying trend across some areas of the community.
"Illicit drugs, including ‘ice’, are taking hold of people’s lives and having a devastating impact on their health, their families and their employment," Supt Martin said.
"It’s an incredibly difficult thing to witness but only strengthens our resolve in detecting those in our neighbourhoods who are manufacturing and distributing prohibited drugs.
"Make no mistake; this is happening in our community and what you know could be the key to helping police shut down a drug house to make your neighbourhood a safer place," Supt Martin said.
"Please familiarise yourself with the seven signs of a drug house – strange odours, diverted electricity, chemical waste, blacked-out windows, hoses and popes in strange place, blinds down with bright indoor lighting and cars arriving at odd hours.
"If any homes in your neighbourhood raise suspicions, please contact Crime Stoppers. Do not underestimate the positive impact your call could make," Supt Martin 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," Mr Price said.
"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."
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.
Please find below a schedule of the local area commands involved in the campaign, including their proposed start dates. This schedule is subject to change. To confirm dates and discuss proposed media activities in each command, please contact NSW Police Media Officer Brooke Eggleton via the NSW Police Media Unit on (02) 8263 6100.
‘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.
