The West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed the Government’s multi-million pound investment to tackle drug offending.
The strategy focuses on rehabilitation for 300,000 drug users responsible for half of all thefts, robberies and burglaries, and tough measures tackling county lines gangs.
The national plans support the PCC’s work locally. He has already invested in early intervention such as the Climb programme to prevent county lines exploitation and the expansion of the DIVERT programme which engages with low level drug users to understand the harms of drugs and change their behaviour at an early stage.
Commissioner John Campion said “Drug offences have a knock on impact in other criminality in our communities, and it’s important we take a holistic approach which includes prevention, rehabilitation and enforcement.
I have proven my commitment to tackling drug offences through early intervention and I am also committed to ensuring West Mercia Police have the resources to tackle county line offending and other related criminality affecting our communities.
The Government’s significant investment is welcomed. The national approach, coupled with the ongoing work locally, will make a real step change in supporting the vulnerable, reducing crime and ultimately making our communities safer.”
