The Scottish Government

This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

Listen

Getting more drug dealers off the streets

15/09/2006

A highly successful campaign to get drug dealers off Scotland's streets has entered its next phase.

The Drug Dealers Don't Care (DDDC) campaign, which last year resulted in the arrest of 428 dealers and the seizure of more than £1.5 million worth of drugs and cash, is now being re-launched.

It's being targeted at Scotland's six local authorities hardest-hit by serious violent crime - often a sign of the turf-wars associated with the drugs trade.

The campaign - paid entirely from assets seized from criminals - is designed to encourage the public to give information anonymously to Crimestoppers Scotland about drug dealers operating in their area.

This information is then passed to the police to enable them to build up sufficient intelligence to arrest these individuals and stop them peddling this evil trade.

Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry was in Greenock today to launch the campaign in that area. It will also be running in Glasgow, Renfrewshire, Edinburgh, North Ayrshire and West Dunbartonshire.

Hugh Henry said:

"Drugs devastate families and communities. This campaign - which last year resulted in a substantial number of arrests and seizures of drugs and money - enables those local communities who are worried about dealers operating in their area, to give information anonymously to help put them behind bars.

"The campaign also sends a clear message to the dealers that they cannot continue to benefit from the proceeds of their ill-gotten gains and get away with it. Instead, we are determined to support communities, working in partnership with the police, in turning the tide against the dealers. Once caught they will not only be facing prison but also could be stripped of the proceeds of their crimes.

"I would encourage anyone who has information, no matter how insignificant they may think it is, to call Crimestoppers Scotland on 0800 555 111. Their lines are open 24/7 and that one piece of information could provide the final bit of evidence that helps the police get one of these criminals off our streets."

Assistant Chief Constable John L.S. Malcolm, Secretary for the Crime Business Area for the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS), said:

"Do not underestimate the fear and misery that drug dealers cause in our communities. Whether it is the so-called Mr Bigs or the street dealers, they contribute to tearing apart the fabric of people's lives.

"However, this campaign gives power back to the communities. It gives them a voice and it gives them an opportunity to help the authorities identify drug dealers.

"We have many examples of drug dealers being brought to justice because people have had the courage to pick up the phone and tell us what they know about local drug dealers in their area. Last year's campaign was a success but now we must build on that. Our targets are now more focussed and we need information from the public.

"Often the police may not act on that information immediately, for a number of reasons, but we guarantee that it will form part of an overarching strategy of intelligence we use to target drug dealers."

Inspector Graeme Ross, National Co-ordinator for Crimestoppers Scotland said:

"The public's support for last year's campaign was incredible and once again with their help we can build on this success and get drug dealers off our streets.

"We would encourage the public to continue their support by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with any information they have. Even the smallest detail can help in the fight against drugs and drug dealing in our communities. If you know anything at all - please pick up the phone.

"Calls to Crimestoppers are completely anonymous. Remember, we want you to tell us what you know - not who you are!".

Last year's six week long national Drug Dealers Don't Care (DDDC) campaign saw a 452 per cent increase in the number of calls to Crimestoppers. 3,600 actionable calls were made to the 24 hour helpline.

This year's DDDC campaign will have a more localised approach with two wards in six local authority areas being targeted by a publicity campaign in the local media and other related pr activity. There will be a six week umbrella campaign running from September 4 to October 15. This will be supported by intensive localised PR activity for two weeks in each of the areas concerned.

The details of the six local authorities, the two wards and the dates of the localised activity are as follows:

• Inverclyde - Greenock East Central and Port Glasgow East (September 4-17)
• Glasgow - Govan and Barlanark (September 4-17)
• Renfrewshire - St James and Ferguslie (September 18 - October 1)
• Edinburgh - Holyrood and Muirhouse (September 18 - October 1)
• North Ayrshire - Stevenson North and Irvine West - (September 18 - October 1)
• West Dunbartonshire - Dumbarton North and Whitecrook (October 2-15)

A roadshow truck is to visit the above areas to raise awareness of the campaign among the local communities.

The dates and venues for the roadshow are as follows:

September

• Thursday 14 - Inverclyde - Princes Street, Port Glasgow
• Friday 15 - Inverclyde - Cathcart Square, Greenock
• Sunday 17 - Glasgow - St Enoch Square
• Monday 18 - Glasgow - Shandwick Square, Easterhouse
• Tuesday 19 - Renfrewshire - Paisley Town Centre
• Wednesday 20 - Renfrewshire - Braehead Shopping Centre
• Thursday 28 - Edinburgh - Frederick Street
• Friday 29 - Edinburgh - Fort Kinnaird Retail Park
• Saturday 30 - North Ayrshire - Morrison's Car Park, Stevenston

October

• Sunday 1 - North Ayrshire - Asda car park, Irvine
• Tuesday 3 - West Dunbartonshire- Clydebank Shopping Centre
• Wednesday 4 - West Dunbartonshire - Asda, West Dumbarton

As well as adverts and features in the local press and radio, the campaign will also feature large outdoor posters and posters in bus shelters and telephone boxes. There will also be an envelope drop to people living in the target areas with details of how to contact Crimestoppers.

The Justice Minister announced in March this year that around £2 million of the proceeds of crime would be invested in the six areas above. The money will support initiatives aimed at reducing crime, improving people's quality of life and visibly repairing the harm caused to communities through the impact of serious violent crime.

The latest phase of the DDDC campaign, which costs £370,000 pounds (£250,000 for advertising and £120,000 for additional police intelligence), is being funded entirely through assets seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.