News

Community reporting bringing results in ICE fight

Thu, 17 Oct 2013 08:13:00

Police say unprecedented levels of community reporting are contributing to record numbers of arrests for drug-related crime in Mildura, particularly methamphetamine, or ICE.

Police data shows a near-doubling of the drug crime rate in Mildura in the past two years – up from an average 20 per 100,000 population in 2010, to an average 35 in 2013.
In the 12 months to October 2013, there were 80 reports of cultivation, trafficking and manufacturing (up 33% on the previous year) and 244 incidents of alleged possession or use (up 22%).
“The rising use of methamphetamine, or ICE, is now accounting for about 90 percent of the drug-related arrests – it is without doubt the single biggest drugs problem in our community,” said Mildura Inspector Simon Clemence.
“But when it comes to drug-related crime, a rise in arrests is generally the result of two things – a high level of police focus on drugs and more members of the community coming forward with information.”
Inspector Clemence said an intense police focus on drug-related activity had been resulting in arrests on a weekly basis.
He said the community information that was now flowing to police was a critical factor. (Members of the public can anonymously call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.vic.crimestoppers.com.au)
“When we look at our intelligence reports of activity being reported or observed by the community, it is apparent that people are showing a much greater willingness to report their observations and alert police to their suspicions.”
Inspector Clemence said that in 2010-11, police received 57 intelligence reports in relation to drug crime.  In 2012-13 there were 418.
“This is a massive increase in the amount of drug-related intelligence being brought to our attention and most of it is coming from the public. Notably, in the past 12 months, most of this intelligence has related to ICE,” Inspector Clemence said.
“Our VicPol survey results for Mildura found that nearly 60 percent of people stated that drugs were ‘somewhat a major problem’, compared to a rural average of 48%.
“This result shows that people in Mildura are aware and concerned about the ICE problem, but what’s most pleasing is that they are increasingly prepared to speak up when they have information or concerns.”
Inspector Clemence said he believed the public was responding to heightened police activity on drugs, and more options for anonymously reporting criminal activity.
“People have always been able to report intelligence anonymously through Crimestoppers, but the availability of online reporting has been a great help,” Inspector Clemence said.
“People can make reports when it suits them and with the confidence their information is delivered to police completely securely and anonymously.”
Victoria Police is one of eight agencies combining resources in Mildura under the Project ICE Mildura banner. The project began in August and aims to build community awareness about the extent of the ICE problem and the impacts of the drug on users and the community.
Inspector Clemence said the continuing high levels of community information on ICE-related activity would be critical to combat the drug’s influence.
“We need to send a clear message to those who bring this drug into Mildura, that our community is not an ‘easy mark’,” he said.
“We are combining as a group of health, welfare and enforcement agencies to send the message that as a community we are informed and aware and our kids are informed and aware.  And also as community members we are prepared to speak up when we don’t think something is right.
“We need to tackle this ICE problem from both ends.  The information sessions and community forums Project ICE aim to reduce demand for the drug and we put pressure on supply by ensuring information – however minor – is passed on to police when it should be.”
Information about Project ICE Mildura and ice-related issues is available from the Northern Mallee Primary Care Partnership website www.northernmalleepcp.org
Anyone with drug or alcohol problems can get assistance and support from Sunraysia Community Health Drug Treatment Services team (5022 5444) or Mallee District Aboriginal Services Alcohol and Other Drugs team (5018 4100).  Information about drug-related activity or crime can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers 1800 333000 or www.vic.crimestoppers.com.au