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SaferPeterborough: New focus in the anti-drugs fight
A CAMPAIGN has been launched this week in a bid to stop teenagers ruining their lives by taking drugs.
A CAMPAIGN has been launched this week in a bid to stop teenagers ruining their lives by taking drugs.In a new move, rather than a hard-hitting approach, drug workers across the city are extending the hand of friendship to teenagers and young people with schemes such as "pizza drop-in" sessions at the council's youth offending service.
It's hoped that the relaunch of the Young People's Drug Service can help break youngsters free of the cycle of drug-taking and warn them of the dangers of a lifestyle that can leave them trapped in poverty and a downward spiral into petty crime.
And rather than saving up warrants to kick down doors in a massive blitz of publicity, the police made this move to tackle the issue at its roots as part of National Tackling Drugs Week.
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Detective Chief Inspector Gary Goose, who heads Cambridgeshire Constabulary's drugs team, said: "There is still a feeling among young people that cannabis is not a problem, but the strength of the drugs on the street point out clearly that it is.
"This week is a great opportunity for local agencies to publicise the work going on in the county to tackle drugs and drug-related crime."
Officers have been joined by staff from SaferPeterborough, Bridgegate Drugs Services, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust and police community support officers.
The drug and alcohol strategy team at HMP Peterborough has also been running a number of events to raise awareness of National Tackling Drugs Week to staff, prisoners and their families.
And DCI Goose added that Peterborough is one of the few cities in the country to drug test on arrest for "acquistive crime" such as shoplifting and burglary, with one in three people testing positively for class A drugs.
DCI Goose added: "It's important as it gives us a clear understanding of the link between drugs and crime.
"We are doing a lot of work with the prison service as it shows a high degree of people coming out, not working and then re-offending to fund a habit.
"It's this cycle we need to break and that's why we have this tough choice, go on a rehabilitation programme or go to prison.
"It's certainly not being soft on drugs."
And community safety and substance misuse manager at SaferPeterborough Karen Kibblewhite added: "Our approach in Peterborough is about tackling drug dealing and drug-related crime, while offering a range of services that provide advice and information about drugs and support individuals to reduce their drug use.
"Drugs can have a massive impact on our communities, and all the partners at SaferPeterborough are working hard together to address the issues caused by drug use.
"Tackling Drugs Week is an ideal opportunity to raise awareness and to promote some of the excellent work we do."
For information, help or advice, call the SaferPeterborough team on 01733 747474.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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