Canberrans now know what to look for so they can 'Dob in a Dealer'

Canberra locals engaged with ACT Region Crime Stoppers and ACT Policing to help stop Australia’s harmful drug supply chain at a recent public engagement event that took place on Monday 26 November 2018 at Gungahlin Marketplace, as part of the national ‘Dob in a Dealer’ campaign.

Representatives from ACT Region Crime Stoppers, ACT Policing and Neighbourhood Watch, were on hand to educate the public on what signs to look for and how they can take action against the manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs in their community.

“We ask members of our community to report suspicious drug-related behavior, so we need to inform them on what exactly they should be keeping an eye out for,” said ACT Crime Stoppers Chair, Diana Forrester. “We are delighted with today’s turnout and the response from the public has been extremely positive,” Diana continued.

The national Dob in a Dealer Campaign, funded by the Commonwealth Government last ran in 2016 and proved a very successful way to raise awareness of the issues and encourage the community to report to Crime Stoppers.

“The partnership between ACT Policing and Crime Stoppers ACT is essential to connect law enforcement and the public,” said Detective Station Sergeant Harry Hains.

“Drug manufacturing and dealing often happens in plain sight - just last month a suspected clandestine laboratory was discovered at a university residence here in Canberra. So we are urging the public to report any behaviour or information that may assist police,” Det Stn Sgt Hains said.

Helpful details include frequent comings and goings from a property at unusual hours, permanently blackened or covered windows and doors, a sour chemical smell coming from a property or other unusual signs.

Australia has one of the highest rates of illegal use of drugs per capita in the world. The national ‘Dob in a Dealer’ campaign aims to stop Australia’s supply chain of illicit drugs including methylamphetamine (ice), cocaine, MDMA, heroin and cannabis, through police intervention of criminals and organised crime gangs who are most often responsible for the manufacture and supply of these drugs.

For more information, please see the Crime Stoppers ACT website at www.act.crimestoppers.com.au or the Facebook and Twitter pages.

Locals can report anonymously by calling 1800 333 000 or complete a report online at www.act.crimestoppers.com.au. There is a reward of up to $1,000 if information provided leads to an arrest.