Ditch the dealer

[28th April 2008]

We launched our revamped 'Ditch the Dealer' campaign to step up our battle against drugs, together with the Grampian Police and the new UK Border Agency.

The campaign launch at Aberdeen Airport was attended by representatives of the police, the charity and the new UKBA.

The revamped leaflets will be widely distributed throughout the force area to make the public aware that they can pass on information anonymously about crime to Crimestoppers.

The initiative, which has been running for a number of years now, allows concerned members of the public to contact Crimestoppers without giving their name, to pass on details of drugs dealers and drugs users in their area, as well as other crime they may wish to report. All the anonymous information provided is passed on to the police, who investigate the information. On average, 17 criminals are arrested every day thanks to anonymous information Crimestoppers receives.

Constable Gordon Macdonald of the Aberdeen Division Crime Reduction Unit said: "Grampian Police are committed to keeping our communities safe and the new leaflets will be an important tool in heightening public awareness that we are being proactive in our approach to tackling drug dealing and drug abuse in our communities.

"We fully understand the need for anonymity and by using this type of resource assure the public that any information supplied is dealt with the utmost confidentiality."

The independent charity Crimestoppers, who work on the main principle of assuring the anonymity of callers providing them with information, have produced the revamped leaflets. Whilst working independently of any police force throughout the country, they have played a crucial part in receiving information from the public which would normally not have been made available to the police, which has resulted in many offenders being to justice.

Brian Whyte, Deputy Chairman of Scotland Crimestoppers said: "Drugs can have a negative impact on all sections of society. A very high proportion of information in recent drugs campaigns was generated by calls to Crimestoppers. You can make a difference by reporting what you know to 0800 555 111.

"Crimestoppers is an independent charity and is not part of any police force. Anyone who fears retribution, or does not want to appear in court can pass their information to us at any time, on any day of the week. Calls are not taped or traced, and the caller remains anonymous at all times."

Graham Gauld, senior detection manager of the UK Border Agency said: “The new UK Border Agency (UKBA) is anxious to support partnership working with Grampian Police and Crimestoppers throughout the “Ditch the Dealer” campaign. We continue to work closely with all partner agencies by attacking the drug supply chain at all levels.

“Our recent successes in detecting drug smugglers in the North-east of Scotland has been a major blow to drug dealers resulting in custodial sentences. However we must not become complacent, rather continue our efforts at the border to deter not only the smuggling of drugs but also tobacco and counterfeit products through partnership working”.

Photo above right: (L-R) Kevin Brown, Managing Director of Aberdeen Airport; Brian Whyte, Deputy Chairman of Scotland Crimestoppers and Michelle Herd, Project Organiser for Scotland Crimestoppers

Crimestoppers is an independent charity and not part of the police. If you wish to pass on information about crime anonymously, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or fill out our anonymous online Giving Information Form.