New drugs crackdown in Bognor Regis

The stark warning by police follows the start of the new initiative – Operation Impact – which has been launched in Arun district.

Sussex Police hope the intelligence-led operation will help to combat the problem of drug dealers and crime associated to drugs.

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

“In the majority of cases burglaries, thefts and violent crimes such as street robberies are carried out by people who are trying to feed an addiction.

“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 any addicts committing 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.

“I am hoping that this operation will have a huge impact on reducing the amount of drug-related crime in the district.”

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.

Anyone who would like to report suspicious activity or give police information about a drug dealer can do so by calling Sussex Police on 101 quoting Operation Impact.

Alternatively you can phone the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.