Barwon Local Area Command (LAC) Police are asking concerned members of the public to help police clamp down crime by reporting illegal drug and property crime.
Barwon LAC Police have launched Operation TORUS - ‘dob in a druggie‘ - this week calling on the public to provide information directly to the police that will identify drug users, suppliers and receivers of stolen goods active in our community.
“Much has been said and written in recent weeks about perceived levels of drugs and crime” Barwon LAC Acting Superintendent Brett Smith said.
“The disruption of these drug networks across the Command is of high priority to police.
“Our officers work and live here and have the same desire for a safe and happy community as the majority of residents”.
“Drugs, both legal and illegal, have been a growing concern in rural communities in recent years.
“We call upon those concerned about recent crime to help be our eyes and ears and to be on the look-out for people who are illegally using and or dealing drugs," he said.
“There is a clear connection between drug use and other crime.
“It is well known that suppliers of drugs and receivers of stolen goods drive crimes such as break and enters and robberies.
“Already this year we have made good detections including results under Strike Force SOFA at Narrabri where five were arrested in relation to the supply of illicit drugs.
“It is important that the police have the co-operation of the general community to "get tough" on illegal drug activities and associated break and enters.
“Recent comments from the community seem to indicate that this is true so now is the time to act”.
Acting Superintendent Smith said “all information on drug activities is important to police, no matter how big or small…if you know something, say something.”
“When reporting information the more you can provide the better. Do you have information about:
• the person’s appearance and manner
• where the person lives, including address, phone numbers, property description, how long they’ve lived there, whether there are children or dangerous dogs, and whether there are firearms or weapons on the property
• the person’s cars, including registration details
• the names and address of anyone else involved, as well as how often they come around and what activity you’ve seen between them, such as exchanges of cash or packages
• what drugs they’re dealing and how you know what they look like or how they’re packaged
• What times of the day or night do these person/s come around.”
Members of the public can anonymously report drug use by contacting the Barwon LAC on 02 6757 0799.