Appeal for people to speak up about drug dealing anonymously

We are asking local people to speak up about harmful drug dealing across Ipswich anonymously.  

In a new campaign, we are reminding the public that local knowledge is key and can help to make a difference. 

Drug dealing has a big impact on local communities. It directly leads to increased crime – more shoplifting, burglary and car theft, as well as litter and anti-social behaviour.

It also leads to the exploitation of children and vulnerable adults by the criminals who run drug supply lines.

Over 2,000 people trust Crimestoppers with their information every day. You can contact us 100% anonymously via our website or by calling our UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 which is open 24/7, 365 days a year. 

Alternatively, young people can visit Fearless.org where more can be learnt about the warning signs of drug crime. 

 We pay up to £1,000 for information about drug dealers that leads to an arrest and charge. 

Spotting the signs

Some of the signs that drug dealing might be taking place in your community can include:

• A resident or local person suddenly having unexplained, sometimes unaffordable, new clothes, jewellery, phones, cars etc.
• An increase in visitors and cars, scooters or bikes to a house or flat, or new faces appearing.
• A change in someone's mood/demeanour (e.g. secretive/withdrawn/ aggressive/emotional).
• Sometimes criminals take over a home or short-term let as a drugs base - this is known as cuckooing.
• New and regularly changing residents, maybe with non-local accents.
• Curtains often closed all the time and an increase in rubbish/drug paraphernalia.
• Residents or young people going missing, maybe for long periods of time.
• Young people seeming unfamiliar or uncomfortable with your community or where they are.

“We can all play a part in looking out for and reporting signs of drugs activity in our neighbourhoods across Ipswich.

“We are asking people to be aware of the signs and appealing to everyone to help protect our communities by telling Crimestoppers anonymously what you know. We’ll pass it on for you. 
 
“Please remember that our charity is here to help. We do not judge or take any personal details from those who contact us. All we want is the information you have. You will stay 100% anonymous. Always.”
 
Phil Breckon, Crimestoppers Eastern Regional Manager

In an emergency, or if a crime is happening now, always call the police on 999. 
 
Anonymity: When you phone our charity’s UK Contact Centre your call will not be recorded, there is no caller number display and no 1471 facility. Our specially trained call handlers will support you through the process and make sure your report contains no information that could identify you. 

25 September 2024