Pubdate: Tue, 04 Mar 2003
Source: Eastern Daily Press (UK)
Copyright: 2003, Archant Regional
Contact:  http://www.edp24.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/131

CRACKDOWN ON DRUGS MENACE LAUNCHED

Today marks the start of a hard-hitting campaign to crack down on the drugs
menace on King's Lynn's streets.

The Crimestoppers initiative, Drug Dealing -- It's Your Call, gives people
in the community the chance to turn over those who profit from the illicit
drugs trade -- with anonymity guaranteed.

The month-long drive, supported by the EDP, kicks off outside King's Lynn
Corn Exchange this morning with the backing of Lynn actress and Bad Girls
celebrity Victoria Bush.

Campaign organiser Isabel Cross said the initiative would send an important
message to those immersed in the drugs culture that they have nowhere to
hide.

"The drugs culture -- and criminal activities surrounding it -- affects all
of us and undermines all of our lives and the quality of our life" she said.

"The campaign is an opportunity for people in the community to pass
information on to the police without fear of reprisal."

Miss Bush, who plays Tina Purvis in the ITV drama, said that working on the
show "brings home the issues of crime".

Adding her endorsement to the campaign, she said: "The great thing about
Crimestoppers is that it allows any individual to give information secure in
the knowledge that they will remain anonymous.

"It is often a vital detail in solving a crime and that reassurance can only
mean safer communities for us all."

Tip-offs gleaned from the Crimestoppers line will be used to beef up police
intelligence on drugs activity in the town.

Norfolk police made more than 200 arrests for drug-related crimes in the
West Norfolk area last year.

Acting Det Chief Insp Paul Chapman said: "A substantial amount of crime
within the western area is drug-related. That is the proceeds are used to
feed a drug habit."

Officers from Norfolk police and the community safety team from West Norfolk
Council will be at the launch to talk about the drugs threat in Lynn.

The campaign has won the backing of 100 parish councils across West Norfolk,
as well as King's Lynn's Pubwatch forum -- whose members are being
encouraged to display the campaign posters.

Both adults and youngsters are also being encouraged to be aware of the
campaign and of the work of the Crimestoppers charity through a series of
competitions published exclusively in the EDP.

Twelve leisure vouchers offering a free gym induction or a month's free swim
at West Norfolk Council leisure facilities will be up for grabs.

Crimestoppers is the only crime-solving charity in the UK and allows the
public a much-needed opportunity to pass on information regarding crimes
anonymously.

The charity received 767 calls relating to crime in Norfolk last year, 114
of which related to offences in Lynn.

The freephone number -- 0800 555111 -- is open 24 hours a day to take
information on any crimes or criminal activity.
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