Crimestoppers Highlight How the Public are Helping Attack the Drug Dealers

24th June 2019

Crimestoppers charity launches campaign to highlight harm

Drug Dealers inflict on vulnerable people.

The charity Crimestoppers is today launching a campaign to highlight the harm drug dealers can inflict on vulnerable people in Scotland's communities.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of drug dealing in Scotland and shows the exploitation by drug dealers on those who may be vulnerable or experiencing a challenging or difficult time in their life.

The campaign aims to highlight how dealers can prey on the vulnerable and those going through difficult times including: bereavement, peer pressure, job loss, money worries and early years parental drug use.

The campaign will equip community partners with postcards, posters and feature Scotland-wide social media enabling people to give information online, 100% anonymously.

Angela Parker, Scotland National Manager for Crimestoppers, said:

‘Everyone has the right to feel safe and live free from the harm of drugs and our campaign aims to highlight the misery dealers inflict on the vulnerable in our communities.

"Last year (April 18-March 19) our charity passed on 9,500 pieces of anonymous information about drug trafficking and supply to Police Scotland, that's 53% of total calls. In addition, there were over 1,000 pieces of information about manufacture and cultivation of drugs. Our charity is making a difference every day, but we need people to speak up and help prevent drug-related deaths and the harm caused by dealers to the vulnerable.

"We won’t judge or ask any personal details if you contact us. All we want to know is what you know, and you’ll remain 100% anonymous. Always."

“You can contact us anonymously on 0800 555 111 or can send an untraceable online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org."

Minister for Community Safety, Ash Denham said:“Drug dealers cause serious harm to communities across Scotland through their exploitation of the vulnerable - people who are often at traumatic or difficult points in their lives.

“This campaign highlights the devastating impact this criminal behaviour can have and outlines steps the public can take to identify and report it.

“Crimestoppers offers a completely anonymous and safe way to report potential crime and harm happening within our communities. This means that we can all play a part in making our neighbourhoods safer places to live.”