Nowhere to run for drug users

Apr 4 2008 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

HOOLE and Newton are to be targeted in a three-week campaign in a bid to stamp out drug-related crime.

The operation is being coordinated by Det Sgt Steve Birkett who believes the time is right for direct action.

He said: “In recent weeks we have been told about drugs use taking place in public areas where children could be playing and have seen a remarkable rise in shoplifting and theft.

“In most cases the items stolen are those which can be easily sold on and we believe this is funding the drugs habit of a concentrated number of individuals.

He added: “It is possible that our action will see the drug users move away from the area and into the city centre to continue their criminal behaviour.

“But we have been liaising closely with colleagues in Chester Inner NPU and any moves made by drug users will be countered by officers in the city – there is nowhere to run, we will catch and prosecute criminals.”

Users of Class A drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine are being targeted because of the crimes often committed to fund their habits.

There has been an increase in petty crime, primarily shoplifting, in the area with goods such as coffee, bacon and meat being stolen because they are easy to sell on.

During the initiative officers will also execute warrants in the area and Sgt Birkett believes residents in Hoole and Newton have an important role to play.

He said: “Community intelligence is vital to operations of this nature.

“We rely on residents and those who work in the areas to be our eyes and ears. Only by obtaining extensive information from the public can we start to put measure in place to tackle particular issues.