Operation aims to impact on Bognor Regis drug crime

Operation Impact has been launched in Arun district to combat the problem of drug dealers and volume crime associated to drugs.

Using intelligence provided by the public police will be carrying out warrants at address where suspected drug dealers live.

The operation will also focus on tracing stolen property and reuniting it with its owners.

Chief Inspector Jane Derrick, district commander for Arun said: “Many crimes that are committed in Arun are carried out by drug users who are trying to pay for their next fix.

“Operation Impact aims to hit these people hard. Innocent people are affected by the actions of addicts who steal from cars and homes and then sell on what they steal.

“By targeting the drug users and dealers we hope to reduce the amount of drug associated crime that takes place in our district.

“We are asking the public to help us do this. By providing us with information about what’s going on in your street you can make a stand against this type of crime and help us reduce it.

“The Operation Impact team would also like to hear from anyone who may have been offered cut price items for sale by friends, family or acquaintances. These may well have originally been stolen by someone who wanted to feed a drug habit.

“One of the keys to the success of this operation is to ensure that any addicts committed crime identified as part of Operation Impact are offered appropriate support to help them change their behaviour. We will be working closely with partner agencies to aim to support anyone who would like to fight their addition.”

Anyone who would like to report suspicious activity or give police information about a drug dealer can do so by calling 101 quoting Operation Impact or by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.