INDEPENDENT charity Crimestoppers and Dungannon & South Community Safety Partnership held a high profile Anti -Drugs Campaign launch today in the Council Offices, Dungannon.
This Anti-Drugs Campaign will focus on encouraging members of the public to provide information to the Crimestoppers charity about the sale and supply of drugs throughout the Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough area. The Mayor, Councillor Kenneth Reid who launched the campaign said: "The supply of drugs is an issue that cuts to the very heart of many communities throughout the Borough and wider afield where unfortunately there are too many families who know the devastation that drugs can cause."
What the campaign will involve
Leaflets will be distributed to every household in the Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough encouraging people to report drug dealers to the Crimestoppers charity. Posters will also be distributed in various entertainment establishments across the Borough and the message will be re-inforced through radio and newspaper advertising.
In addition, this will be accompanied by an outdoor visual advertising campaign using bus shelters, telephone kiosks and Translink buses in various locations throughout the Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough.
Chairman of the Crimestoppers Volunteer Board in Northern Ireland, Paul Leighton, said Crimestoppers is completely independent from the police. "Crimestoppers is an independent charity that can help the PSNI find criminals and solve crimes but it is not part of the PSNI.
Callers to Crimestoppers do not have to give their name or any other personal information and calls cannot be traced. They will not need to appear in court or give a statement to police." said Mr Leighton.
He continued, "Anyone with information about drug dealers should go to the police. However, we know that those who want to take action and pass the information on may be close to the criminal and fear that some action will be taken against them. Crimestoppers offers a secure way to get that information to the police thus helping to make their families and their communities safer."
Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Councillor Frances Burton, CSP Chair said that while many people feel comfortable talking to police directly others may feel frightened or unsure. She also said:
"No one wants to see drugs in their neighbourhoods therefore it is vitally important that we get the information we need to tackle these dealers. The Crimestoppers charity provides an anonymous avenue for people who want to pass on information about crime. You do not have to give your name and your call will not be traced. Remember, the information you have could help put a dealer behind bars and remove drugs from our streets."
Cllr Jim Cavanagh, CSP Deputy Chair said, "Drugs ruin lives and communities. This campaign is about highlighting the fact that everyone can play their part in disrupting the supply of drugs by providing whatever information they have. The Crimestoppers charity gives the public the confidence to pass on that information anonymously if they wish."
Contact the Crimestoppers charity on freephone 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers.uk.org