Information on Loughborough

National Tackling Drugs Week (8-12 June, 2009) launched

Posted on 08/06/2009

cannabis, weed, drugs National Tackling Drugs Week (8-12 June, 2009) launched

‘Tackling Drugs Changing Lives’ – that’s the message behind the national campaign which the police and Community Safety Partnerships across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are taking part in.

The work Leicestershire police and their partners do to tackle drugs, reduce drug related crime and educate people about the effects of drugs will be highlighted during the National Tackling Drugs Week (8-12 June, 2009).

A series of events are also being run to tell people what is happening in their area to crackdown on persistent offenders and what residents can do to help police put a stop to drug misuse in their community.

Superintendent Steve Boulton, from the Force community safety bureau, said: “Leicestershire Constabulary has been taking great strides in tackling drugs and reducing the related crime and harm that comes with it. A significant number of cannabis factories have been shut down over the course of the last six months which has seriously disrupted the sale of drugs on our streets.

“Closing down these factories has significantly affected a range of other serious organised crimes including the possession of firearms, people trafficking, prostitution and money laundering.

“Every local policing unit considers tackling drugs as a priority and there have been relentless enforcements on drug dealers across the county. Local officers want to reassure the community they serve and build confidence in the work they are doing to put a stop to it. 

There are a number of activities taking place over the week which will help to highlight the positive work the police and other local agencies are doing to tackle drugs in our community:

  • Officers in North West Leicestershire will be using Bluetooth technology at the Download national music event to send quick-fire messages to mobile phones.  The messages, which are all animated, will contain information on a range of topics, including crime prevention and advice on alcohol and drug use.   
  • Loughborough’s Officers will try and connect with their large student population by holding a drug awareness stall in the Students Union between 2pm and 5pm on Tuesday 9 June. 
  • City centre officers are hoping to use the drug detector machine on the door of a nightclub during the week so that every person entering the premises has their hands tested for the presence of drugs. If they test positive they will be searched. If they do not have drugs in their possession they will be refused entry to the club.
  • Youth Involvement Officers from across the Force will be running drug initiative programmes in local schools to highlight key messages around the dangers of drugs.
  • Community leaflet drops and advice will be given to local residents across South Leicestershire and officers will be attending schools to talk about the dangers of drugs.
  • Crimestoppers will be raising the profile of National Tackling Drugs week with a campaign encouraging members of the community to inform them anonymously of drug misuse.

Many more local initiatives are taking place over the National Tackling Drugs week so look in your local press for details. Alternatively contact your local police station and ask to speak to the community initiatives coordinator. 

If you have information about drug misuse or any crime, please contact Leicestershire Constabulary on 0116 222 2222 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.

*Some networks may charge for this call.