Crimestoppers launches campaign to highlight harm
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THE harm drug dealers can inflict on society's most vulnerable people is being highlighted in a new campaign.
Charity Crimestoppers is raising awareness of how dealers prey on those going through difficult times, such as bereavement, job loss, money worries and early years parental drug use.
The campaign will equip agencies with postcards, posters and feature a Scotland-wide social media drive enabling reminding people they can give information online, anonymously.
Crimestoppers national manager Angela Parker 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, our charity passed on 9500 pieces of anonymous information about drug trafficking and supply to Police Scotland, that’s 53 per cent of total calls.
"In addition, there were over 1000 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 per cent anonymous. Always."
Minister for Community Safety Ash Denham said everyone has a part to play.
He 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."
Call 0800 555 111 to contact Crimestoppers or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org to send an untraceable online form.
