Operation Focus underway in Canterbury District targeting drugs, gangs and organised crime"

Canterbury Police are undertaking a two month Prevention based operation named Operation Focus targeting drugs, gangs and organised crime during April and May 2015.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Cottam from Canterbury Police’s Organised Crime Unit said “the main aim of the operation is to reduce victimisation caused by drugs, gangs and organised crime.

This incorporates all aspects of offending, including those supplying drugs, those committing crime to fund drug habits and those purchasing stolen property illegally.”

Traditional Policing techniques targeting the top end drug manufacturers and dealers are one phase of the operation. However, a core part of the operation is a move away from these traditional investigation techniques.

Strategies being used will be targeted interventions with those involved in using drugs, associating or participating in drug dealing, gangs and organised crime with an aim to move them away from these areas to prevent crime and victimisation occurring.

There are three key interventions which are:
» Reducing the opportunity for crime to occur
» Rehabilitating offenders through programs such as drug and alcohol, Stopping Violence and gambling counselling
» Redirection into other areas such as employment, sports, culture by those with a positive influence in peoples’ lives.

“We know a lot of crime such as burglaries and thefts are committed to fund drug habits. By working with people to overcome problems such as drug addiction can prevent crime and victimisation occurring in the first place. Police are working with a range of Government and non-Government agencies and groups who were willing and able to provide the rehabilitation and re-direction” explained Detective Senior Sergeant Cottam.

“We have a dedicated CIB Prevention team who have had a lot of success simply by speaking to our traditional offenders and discussing the reasons behind their offending, and supporting them in the rehabilitation and redirection. This simple technique is very powerful when offenders realise Police are not just there to arrest them, but show an interest in them and a genuine belief in their future and assisting them make positive changes in their lives.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Cottam said “An example of this is a young male who was spoken to on his release from prison. He wanted to break his drug habit which caused his offending and to get a job but didn't know where to turn. Police Prevention team members referred him to drug counselling, a course at Te Runanga o Nga Maata Waka where he got his drivers license and then referred him to employment agencies where he obtained a job. He has not re-offended since.”

“Tackling the crime issue is not just a Police and support agency problem, but a community one and we urge anyone who know of others who are involved in drug use or criminal offending to encourage them to break their habits.”

Canterbury Police encourage anyone with information or wanting assistance to contact them on 03 3637400.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you, your friend or family member wants assistance with drug addiction, Police encourage them to contact the Drug and Alcohol Help Line 0800 787 797, e-mail ada@adanz.org.nz or visit www.adictionshelp.org.nz

Media note: Please text the Canterbury Police District Communications Manager on 021 942 404 with the reporters contact details if you wish to have the release verbalised by Detective Senior Sergeant Cottam.

ENDS

© Scoop Media