Published: 05 October 2006
Successful Scottish Anti-Drugs Campaign
The number of drug-related calls to Crimestoppers has increased 40% since the latest phase of the Drug Dealers Don't Care campaign began a month ago, compared to the same period last year.
This year's campaign is being targeted at Scotland's six local authorities which are hardest hit by serious violent crime, often a sign of the turf wars associated with the drugs trade:
· Inverclyde
· Glasgow
· Renfrewshire
· Edinburgh
· North Ayrshire and
· West Dunbartonshire
Speaking during a visit to the DDDC campaign truck roadshow in Edinburgh, Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said:
"Drugs devastate individual lives, families and communities. We are determined to get drug dealers off our streets.
The 40% increase in drug-related calls to Crimestoppers sends a clear message to the dealers that the general public have had enough of those peddling this evil trade.
This campaign offers a voice to everyone who wants to live in a safer, stronger community. If you have information of drug dealing in your area - share it and let's rid the streets of the scourge of drugs."
This year's DDDC campaign has 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.
A six week umbrella campaign is running from September 4 to October 15, which is being supported by intensive localised PR activity for two weeks in each of the areas concerned.
As part of the DDDC campaign, a roadshow truck is visiting the six targeted areas to raise awareness of the campaign among the local communities.
As well as adverts and features in the local press and radio, the campaign also features large outdoor posters and posters in bus shelters and telephone boxes.
There will also be envelope drops 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 pounds for advertising and £120,000 pounds for additional police intelligence), is being funded entirely through assets seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Further information
Drug Dealers Don't Care campaign
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
Safer Scotland
Scotland Crimestoppers
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