'WE NEED YOU IN THE WAR ON DRUGS'

POLICE in Torbay are spearheading a new attack on the resort's
drug-fuelled crime scene by inviting people to 'Rat on a Rat'.

They want to harness the help of the public to catch the 'vile dealers
in drugs' whose activities are directly linked to the majority of
dwelling burglaries and vehicle crime across the Bay.

A similar enterprise in Plymouth, launched late last year, has already
been hailed a major success.

Officers behind the Bay initiative are hoping to celebrate the same
crime-busting results from the community.

Reported crime in the Bay this year is already down more than 30 per
cent on last year.

One of the Bay's crime incident managers, Insp Adrian Leisk,
(pictured) said: "Crime and drugs intelligence is our lifeblood in
tackling this issue -- and the public play a vital role in that support.

"With Rat on a Rat we can tap into the public's desire to rid their
neighbourhoods of this vile traffic in drugs."

Bay commander Chris Singer added: "This gives everyone the opportunity
to make a contribution in the fight against crime.

"What has happened in Plymouth shows there is a willingness on the
part of the public to offer positive help to make their neighbourhoods
better and safer places to live."

Police are actively encouraging residents to 'grass up' anyone they
suspect of involvement in the illicit drugs trade, much of which they
say is financed by the proceeds of crimes that impact most on the
community, particularly thefts from cars and homes.

Supt Singer said: "People should have no qualms against reporting
those who make their living out of other people's misery.

"This is a worthy campaign which we hope will further strengthen the
sense of pride in the community which the Bay already enjoys."

He urged anyone with information of value to the police to pick up the
phone and ring the confidential Crimestoppers freephone number 0800
555111 as a matter of urgency.

His comments are endorsed by Bob Widdecombe, chairman of Devon and
Cornwall Crimestoppers Trust, who said: "We want to know where the
drugs are coming from, who is using them and who is selling them.

"Plymouth has shown the campaign does work because lots of information
has come through and arrests have been made. We want that duplicated
in Torbay."

The blitz has been made possible thanks to a UKP10,000 cash boost to the
Crimestoppers charity by the Plymouth and South West Co-op.

Director Douglas Fletcher said his company recognised the 'devastating
impact' drug-related crime had locally. He said it was important to
raise awareness of the problems involved and to reduce the effect such
crimes had within the community.

The campaign will include a number of publicity posters appearing at
key sites around the Bay.