Crimestoppers offers reward for Ipswich drug information

The new campaign launched this week by the charity stressed the impact drug dealing has on local communities.

A Crimestoppers spokesperson said: "It directly leads to increased crime – more shoplifting, burglary and car theft, as well as litter and anti-social behaviour.

"It also leads to the exploitation of children and vulnerable adults by the criminals who run drug supply lines."

Informants can remain completely anonymous and the contact centre is open 24/7.

The signs that drug dealing might be taking place can include, someone suddenly having unexplainable, unaffordable new items such as jewellery, clothes, phones and cars.

Other signs can be an increase in visitors to a property and often new faces, a change in someone's mood or demeanour.

Young people or residents may go missing, maybe for longer periods of time, and young people may seem unfamiliar or uncomfortable with where they are.

Councillor John Cook (Image: Ipswich Labour Party) Councillor John Cook, portfolio holder for communities and sport at Ipswich Borough Council, said: “We’re fully supporting Crimestoppers and commissioned this campaign as part of the Safer Streets 5 project for Ipswich funded by the Home Office.

"The Council is committed to reducing crime in the Borough. Drug dealing and the associated criminality which goes with it are a blight on our community. A key part of our Safer Streets action plan to raise awareness of reporting methods and available community support.

“The Council will always support the police in tackling criminality that intimidates and distresses residents, but we need your help. Don’t stand by and let anybody get away with crime in our town – speak up and report it to Crimestoppers or the police.”

Drug dealers sometimes do something called cuckooing, where they take over a home or a short-term let as a drugs base, often they will keep the curtains closed and residents will change all the time.

Phil Breckon, eastern regional manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “We can all play a part in looking out for and reporting signs of drugs activity in our neighbourhoods across Ipswich.

“We are asking people to be aware of the signs and appealing to everyone to help protect our communities by telling Crimestoppers anonymously what you know. We’ll pass it on for you.

“Please remember that our charity is here to help. We do not judge or take any personal details from those who contact us. All we want is the information you have. You will stay 100% anonymous. Always.”

To report information call 0800 555 111.