DRUG USERS STEAL POUNDS 850M A YEAR

ONE THIRD of all property crime is drug-related and greater investment in
treatment would cut the crime rate, according to a study by the National
Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (Nacro).

It suggests that spending on treatment is three times more cost-effective
than using the same sums in the criminal justice system.

Nacro points to recent research suggesting that there are 130,000 drug
addicts, or "problem drug users", in England and Wales. They may steal as
much as pounds 850 million a year.

A Home Office study found that some users had incomes of pounds 10,000 to
pounds 20,000 a year from theft, shoplifting, fraud, burglary, drug dealing
or prostitution.

However, when users are placed in treatment programmes, drug use, dealing
and crime were cut by a marked extent.

The Nacro report, to be published this week, advocates preventive and
educational programmes such as anti-drug campaigns in primary schools.