Pubdate: Sat, 23 Aug 2008
Source: Hereford Times (UK)
Pubdate: 23 Aug 08

DRUGS PROGRAMME ACHIEVES RESULTS

NEW figures show that a Herefordshire drugs programme is helping to 
cut drug-related crime across the county.

The Drugs Intervention Programme (DIP), run by Herefordshire's 
Community Safety and Drugs Partnership, has reported a near 50% drop 
in domestic burglaries since 2005, along with a 20% fall in vehicle crime.

And between October 2006 and September 2007, the number of 
drug-related offences in Herefordshire dropped by more than 15%.

The aim of the DIP is to get those offenders hooked on drugs out of 
crime and into treatment. It also points them in the direction of 
employment and housing support.

The programme has received 78 new referrals this year, 32 of which 
have come directly from prison.

Home Office figures show this is a more effective method than putting 
offenders through the courts.

Geoff Hughes, chairman of the Herefordshire Community Safety and 
Drugs Partnership, said: "DIP offers a win-win solution. 
Drug-misusing offenders get help through treatment and support, 
communities suffer less crime and criminal justice costs are reduced."
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