Drugs

In January 2001 it was acknowledged there may have been up to 100 individuals dependent on heroin and other substances in the previous 5 years. However it seems that a variety of approaches, including Police operations, have since succeeded in halting the rise in the local heroin-using population, with the result that this group is gradually reducing in size.

However, the Berwick Drugs Reference Group (DRG) has expressed concern at substance misuse in certain areas, while Police evidence suggests that acquisitive crime, eg shoplifting, is on the increase. The Partnership proposes that Drug-Related Crime should be a strategic priority.

Defining Drug-Related Crime is not straightforward, but it is usually understood to mean any crime carried out with the aim of obtaining illegal drugs.

Our Objectives:

• To maintain existing low levels of drug-related crime in the Borough
• To reduce the number of drug and alcohol-related arrests
• To improve the reporting on a confidential basis of drug-related activity.

Key Actions:

• Adoption by the CDRP of a holistic approach which examines causes and develops practices to reduce the incidence of drug and alcohol related crime
• Develop working relationships with the Drug Action Team (DAT), DRG and DRG Development Worker
• Contribute to the Northumberland DAT Strategy
• Develop an education programme targeted at families and ‘at-risk’ groups
• Use of local media to ‘piggy-back’ national campaigns
• Support proactive policing operations to reduce illegal drug activity in the Partnership’s area and join operations in other CDRP areas
• Support DRG Development Worker in promoting/developing partnership work with local health officials and organisations to develop dependency treatment programmes
• Proactive contribution to the DRG's through the Community Safety Officer
• Effective deployment of Communities Against Drugs (CAD) monies, including implementation and monitoring of drug-disruption initiatives.
• Door Registration Scheme in conjunction with local publicans and nightclub operators including training and joint working with Alnwick CDRP
• Assist partnership members with enforcement legislation to control illegal sale and supply of alcohol
• Promote alcohol-free events and venues for young people.

Borough of Berwick-upon-Tweed Drug Reference Group (DRG)
The Berwick DRG is responsible for working in tandem with the CDRP but has specific responsibility for drugs issues within the Partnership area. A dedicated Drugs Reference Group Development Worker was appointed in September 2001 to support and develop DRG work in the Borough. The post is currently shared with the Alnwick CDRP.

Drug Action Team (DAT)
Drug (and Alcohol) Action Teams (DAATs or DATs) were set up in 1995 as part of the national drug strategy. They primarily coordinate local efforts through local partnerships, responding directly to local needs. Lead by a full time coordinator, the teams comprise senior people from key local organisations. They advise and inform on optimal strategies for local coordinated action.  Visit their website, www.northumberland-dat.org.uk for more information.

Communities Against Drugs Initiatives (CAD)
The Partnership was awarded funding of £37,600 in 2000/01 for the purpose of developing and implementing initiatives aimed at disrupting drugs activity in the Partnership area. CAD is a 3 year programme and the Home Office has guaranteed similar levels of funding in Years 2 and 3. First year funding has supported a range of interventions including targeted police operations and diversionary activity for young people in areas known to have specific drug-related problems. Bids for funding assistance in Years 2 and 3 are currently being considered by the Partnership.

SNAP (Say No And Phone) is Crimestopper's Youth website which talks about drugs and their effect on youths and the community and about what to do if you witness a crime taking place or about to.  It gives the option of reporting crimes anonymously if you fear for your safety.  Competitions are also there for you to win prizes for yourself or your school.  Many pop bands such as Boyzone support SNAP.  (Tip: this site is pretty difficult to find your way around - just click on any of the fancy graphics that are clickable.)

Alcohol Abuse
It is the widely held belief that alcohol, not drugs affects the bulk of the population in rural North Northumberland. To tackle this problem, we set up the Alnwick & Berwick North Northumberland Alcohol Awareness plus project. 

Please see the Crime Audit report for more information regarding research and statistics.

Drug & Alcohol Related Links:
Drug Scope - Drug and Policy Information website
N D H - National Drugs Helpline
D P A S - Drug Prevention Advisory Service
The Family Fact File - Drug information website
Family Rapp - Drug information for the family
Drugs - Leicester Drug Action Team website
The Portman Group - Alcohol info website
DrugNetWorks - Drug workers support website
Adfam - Drug related family support website