Police have laid arrests for drug offences in Geelong after a “spike” in tips-offs from the public, according to Crime Stoppers.
Calls with drug-related information were up almost 300 per cent during a two-week Dob in a Dealer campaign in the city, the organisation said.
Calls involving amphetamines specifically increased 363 per cent, with Crime Stoppers passing on the tips to police for investigation.
The campaign, which began on 21 June, was the second in the city after last year’s Dob in a Dealer led to a 110 per cent rise in reports of drug-related activity.
Crime Stoppers was rapt with the greater response to this year’s campaign, which focused on the trafficking or manufacture of drugs, especially methamphetamines.
“We would like to thank the Geelong community for supporting us in our quest to stamp out ice and other illicit drugs in the region,” said Crime Stoppers Victoria spokesperson Chris Plumridge.
“The community’s response to the program during the past two weeks has been significant and the increase in reports shows how determined the community is to put a stop to the flow of illegal substances into their neighbourhoods.
“Arrests are made and drug warrants are executed as a result of reports to Crime Stoppers.”
The campaign would now spread to other parts of the state, Mr Plumridge said.
He urged Geelong residents to keep contacting Crime Stoppers with reports of “any suspicious activity”.
The service was available “365 days a year”, he said.
“Making a report to Crime Stoppers is completely confidential. Every piece of information you provide can help solve crimes and reduce the supply of illicit drugs.”
