Dumfries & Galloway Neighbourhood Watch
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WOBBLY
STAN THE BENZO MAN
Increasing
use of benzodiazepines is impacting on our region. Agencies within the Dumfries
and Galloway Alcohol and Drug Partnership have combined together to provide
awareness to dependants, parents, relatives, friends or concerned members of
the public. They have made use of characters in a cartoon format devised by
Lifeline Publications. ‘ Wobbly Stan The Benzo Man’ is a seven minute educational DVD, the main
character being Wobbly Stan, who explains to a young friend the potential harm
of benzodiazepine use.
The
format is mainly informative aimed at anyone, user, parent, relative or friend
seeking further information. The DVD can be viewed by accessing www.wobblystan.co.uk
Posters
advertising the campaign are currently being distributed throughout Dumfries
and Galloway to raise awareness of this issue.
The
following information in quote form around the use of
benzodiazepines in Dumfries and Galloway are attached for use as required.
Detective
Sergeant Anne Marie Shankly, Dumfries and Galloway
Constabulary
“The
abuse of benzodiazepines is having a significant impact on our region. Drug
dependants are abusing these tablets sometimes in vast quantities and their
behaviour is causing us concern. Either they are so under the influence of the
substance that they are becoming violent, forgetful and unable to function
normally and this is having an impact not only on the police but on most other
health based organisations in our region.
“Our
intelligence indicates that the tablets that are being taken are not only
legitimate benzodiazepine tablets, but fake tablets that are being imported
from abroad. These tablets sometime are very crude imitations and contain very
little of the active ingredients of a normal tablet and as such are producing strange
behaviour patterns in some users.
We
are pleased to be part of this campaign and we are actively targeting those who
are bringing these tablets into our region. If any member of the public wishes
to provide any information to the police they can do so by contacting 0845 600
5701.”
Detective
Constable Scott Jardine, Substance Misuse Officer
“The site, www.wobblystan.co.uk
features an amazing animated video where Wobbly Stan the Benzo
Man explains the harms of benzo use. The content for
the video was developed by people experiencing benzo
dependence, and while this resource is UK specific, it's a great example of a
creative way to engage people in discussion about drug related harms.
“The problem of benzodiazepines use is not just unique to
Dumfries and Galloway and we are informed this a
growing national problem. The drug dependants of
Dumfries and Galloway are not solely using this drug but using it alongside
other classified substances.
“As well as utlising this
campaign we are working together with our partners in raising awareness
throughout the region. We have just completed an awareness campaign to young
adults within secondary schools
“We would urge members of the users or members of the
public who have concerns to seek more information from treatment agencies
throughout Dumfries and Galloway, details of which are
contained on the leaflets which are currently being distributed across the
region.”
Jim
Parker, Dumfries and Galloway Alcohol and Drug Partnership
Jim
Parker is the lead officer for the Dumfries and Galloway Alcohol and Drug
Partnership. “The ADP strongly endorses and supports this campaign. The abuse
of benzodiazepines is a growing problem in Dumfries and Galloway and this drug
is fast becoming the drug of choice for our young people. When taken with
alcohol the short and longer- term effects can be extremely serious. Any
coordinated campaign which raises awareness of this problem is welcomed and can
only be of benefit to our communities.”
Hugh Robertson, Service Manager, Addiction Dumfries and Galloway, 79 Buccleuch Street, Dumfries.
“Addaction and the NHS Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service as part of the
Integrated Drug Service fully support this effort to increase the awareness of
the impact and effects of benzodiazepine use. Over the past 3years there has
been a steady and worrying increase in those presenting with ‘benzo’ use in addition to or separate from opiate use.
There has been a supply both through the easier access on the internet and also
a street supply of various concoctions which are difficult to quantify.
“Unlike opiate dependency there is no substitute
prescribing available and case managers and nurses have to work with service
users to devise coping strategies and support to reduce then cease this type of
drug use. Long term damage can be varied but disrupted sleeping patterns are
common which obviously causes problems with clear thought and perception
issues. Dis-inhibition and lack of impulse control means regular use can lead
to aggressive and unfortunately sometimes criminal behaviour.
Sudden withdrawal can in the most extreme cases cause people to suffer grand
mal seizures.
“We would encourage anyone who can identify with these
types of behaviours or issues to contact us on
08000350793 (free from all landlines) when we can then assess and support you
in recovery.”
Mike
Pratt, Chief Pharmacist
“Benzodiazepines
are a group of drugs used to help people through difficult periods in their
life where they are having problems sleeping or are having particular periods
of anxiety. They are only recommended for short periods of use and under
medical supervision. To use these outwith medical
supervision is dangerous.
“Benzodiazepines,
we know, can also be obtained illegally from a number of other sources. To take
these is extremely dangerous. It is not known what these contain. If you are
lucky they will contain nothing active and you will have only wasted your
money. But they have been known to contain poisonous chemicals. Do not take the
risk!”
Chris
Lyon, Chair of the Dumfries & Galloway Crimestoppers
Board said:
“It
is important that local people realise that they can make a real difference to
their community by giving information about illegal use and trade of these
drugs anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers
on 0800 555 111.
“Your
call can reduce the harm caused to local people. I would like to reassure
everyone that there are no details taken of them, the caller, only what they
can tell us.”
Moira Cossar,
Service Manager, Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service, Cameron House, Nithbank, Dumfries.
“Illicit use of benzodiazepines has grown over the
past few years. The drug most frequently misused is Diazepam (Valium). Whilst
some of this is obtained from GP prescriptions most is acquired from overseas
via internet orders. Previous analysis of tablets on sale locally found that
most contained only diazepam and close to the marketed dose of 10mg but other
tablets on sale have included a range of medications e.g. those used to treat
travel sickness.
“People misusing benzodiazepines usually take doses
far in excess of the maximum prescribed dose. When used in combination with
other substances such as heroin, methadone or alcohol, the risk of overdose is
greatly increased. The other key risks are in relation to dis-inhibition and
lack of impulse control which affect people’s behavior and can lead them to
come to the attention of the police.
“Benzodiazepine use can over a period of time cause
memory problems, there is also a significant risk of withdrawal seizures if
people are using large quantities on a regular basis and stop suddenly.”
Dr
Peter Armstrong, Emergency Department, NHS Dumfries & Galloway
“Benzodiazepines
are a group of prescription-only tranquiliser medications regulated by the
Misuse of Drugs Act. They are used in hospital and the community for the
treatment of specific medical conditions including agitation, insomnia, alcohol
and drug withdrawal, severe muscle spasm and stopping epileptic seizures.
Whilst benzodiazepine medication may be an appropriate treatment, these drugs
have the potential to be highly addictive, and users can develop long-term
dependency issues. Even when prescribed, benzodiazepines may give users a
“buzz”, or make them feel “chilled”, with regular users requiring larger
amounts. Benzodiazepines are often abused to control symptoms when “coming
down” from other stimulant recreational drugs.
“Diazepam
and temezapam (also known as vallies, blues, jellies,
benzos, downers, mazzies or
moggies) are the most commonly prescribed and abused benzodiazepines. Swallowed
in tablet form, they can also be crushed or melted for injection. So called
“Street Valium” may be bona-fida,
stolen pharmacy diazepam, however often it will be tablets manufactured in unsterile
conditions from potentially toxic chemicals including dog worming products and
rat poison. Clearly with such an unregulated process, end-users have no
guarantee as to the ingredients or strength of the product.
“Abuse
of benzodiazepines can have a significant impact on a users health, in addition to cost and resource
implications for ambulance and health services. Mild effects including poor
concentration, memory loss and the inability to complete simple tasks are
common. Consuming illicit tablets often results in toxicity, and combining
benzodiazepines with other depressants such as alcohol or drugs can lead to
serious overdose or death. Users are therefore prone to significant illness and
injury. Long-term benzodiazepine use is associated with worsening depression
and anxiety, and frequent users who stop benzodiazepines suffer nasty
withdrawal symptoms.”
31.01.12
POLICE PRAISE PUBLIC
Rural criminals better beware because the residents
of Dumfries and Galloway will not stand for thefts and break ins
in their community.
Police can reveal reports of thefts are down and
the reporting of suspicious activities in rural areas is up.
Last week officers from Dumfries and Galloway
Constabulary asked the public to be aware of rural criminals following a number
of thefts and break ins throughout the region.
The general public have listened and responded to
the warning. The public appear to have taken on board police advice about
securing their property especially in relation to farm machinery and equipment,
as well as reporting suspicious activity in rural areas.
Chief Inspector Irvine Watson said: “People in
Dumfries and Galloway have reacted in the way we hoped they would”.
“We are proud of the strong relationship we have
with our communities, and their ability to assist us in preventing and
detecting crimes. This very positive reaction from the public is welcomed and
we will continue to work with our communities to provide as safe and as crime
free an area as possible.
“Rural crime is an issue, sometimes committed by
criminals from out with, however I would still actively encourage the public to
continue to be vigilant and report any activity which they believe to be
suspicious as quickly thereafter as possible to ensure we get the best chance of
investigating these matters. I would also encourage the community to protect
their property, and we are happy to assist with advice and guidance in this
regard.”
26.01.12
SMART SCHOOLS
Schools across Dumfries
and
The use of SMARTWATER is
registered and details are kept on a database for identification
purposes. Should property be stolen from a school and subsequently
recovered, if checked and found to be marked with SMARTWATER, it can be tested
and the school identified.
SMARTWATER can also be
used in a spray as part of an intruder alarm system and sprayed directly onto
an intruder without them even knowing this has happened. All police
custody suites across the region are now fitted with equipment which can
identify the presence of SMARTWATER on someone who is being taken into
custody. Again, if someone tests positive, SMARTWATER will identify which
school the intruder has violated.
The solution is not
harmful and stays on the skin until exfoliation occurs, and is virtually
impossible to remove from clothing or shoes.
Crime Reduction Officer
Derek Hughes of Dumfries says that “the introduction of SMARTWATER into all
schools in Dumfries and
Officer Gary Adair and temporary janitor Paul
Byers
And the new Smartwater warning sign
AoSNW AGM
& Awards 2010
A great day out an opportunity to see what is happening nationally and to meet
other watch
members from across
Friday 10th September
Caledonian Hilton, Edinburgh
Click HERE for more
information and to register.
To register for more than one person, please contact AoSNW
as the link will only work once.
BICYCLE SECURITY
Police are urging bicycle owners to securely fasten
their bikes after forty bike thefts in
Summer has
arrived and chances are that you or a friend or family member will be out and
about enjoying the various cycle paths and taking in the fabulous scenic routes
Dumfries and
Crime Reduction
Officer Derek Hughes from Community Safety said: “Some modern bicycles can be
fairly expensive and thieves will take any opportunity to exploit that. We are
reminding the public there can be a number of common sense measures that can
reduce the chances of being a victim of crime.
- Do not leave your bicycle in isolated places.
- Always lock your bicycle when you leave it. Failure to do so will
most likely invalidate any insurance cover.
- Where possible, lock your bicycle to something solid like a lamp
post or railings.
- If your wheels are easily removed, remove the front wheel and lock
it to the frame and back wheel.
- Take a photograph and a description of your bike.
- Do not leave your bike lying about!
“Even in the
safest community, we would advise against leaving your bicycle outside your
home or in your garden, unless it is a secured with a bicycle lock.
“Pedal cycles
can be of high value, and are easily sold on or often dissembled for parts. If
you wish to have your bicycle post-coded, please contact your local police
station on 0845 600 5701.”
BE ALERT TO MACHINERY THEFTS
Police are urging you to secure your vehicles and
other machinery this summer.
While Dumfries and
From time to time a region can be targeted by teams
of thieves from elsewhere in the
To prevent this police officers in the region are
stepping up patrols during the summer months. Police are also warning farmers
and other members of the public to pay particular attention to their plant and
machinery security. Farm or even residential vehicles can be high value and
securing them should be considered to prevent any thefts from farms, building
sites and industrial premises.
Identify your property by:
- Keeping a record of the serial number, chassis and model numbers of
machines.
- Use metal engravers to mark tools and equipment with your postcode
followed by the first two letters of your farm's name.
- Consider physical crime prevention measures for all machinery and
vehicles.
- There are a number of products on the market which would deter
persons from stealing such vehicles, ie Data
tag, Quadloc, Smartwater, etc.
- Always keep tools and small pieces of machinery locked away. Do not
leave them lying about.
From a police point of view it is disappointing
when officers are called to thefts plant, machinery and other vehicles and
quickly learn how easy it has been for the thieves.
Members of the community are urged to take the
opportunity to contact us and ask for a visit from their local crime prevention
officers for a free security survey. It may just save you hundreds or thousands
of pounds and stop you becoming a victim of theft.
Inspector Alan Cook of Dumfries Division Community
Policing Unit said: “We are lucky that Dumfries and
“We are advising members of the public not to be
complacent and insure that they secure all items of plant, machinery or
vehicles that they own or use. These are all very valuable commodities and
should be treated as such. Crimes of this nature are on the increase throughout
the country and we would urge people to take all appropriate steps to ensure
their property is adequately secured.
“Plant, Machinery and Vehicles are a valuable part
of modern day life. However they are also a valuable commodity to thieves and
it is therefore important that our community take relevant measures to secure
their vehicles and machinery properly.”
“There have also been incidents throughout the
force area of vehicle number plates being stolen from parked and unattended
vehicle’s, the main reason for this type of theft is in order to fit the plates
to another vehicle that has either been or is about to be stolen. Members
of the public are urged to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious
incidents immediately to
ATM Skimming Devices
The Scottish Business Crime Centre has informed us that a
skimming device was discovered at an ATM situated outside the ASDA store in
Milton of Craigie.
It would appear that the device was in place between 30 January and 4 February
2010.
You can download information on how these devices work and how to spot them
here: 
ATM Skimming Warning
It is not uncommon for the people involved in these crimes to move onto other
areas in Scotland, so here is a reminder of some of the things you can do to
keep your details safe.
There are steps you
can take to lessen the possibility of becoming a victim of ATM skimming.
• Check the card reader before inserting your card. If you are suspicious do
not use it and contact the bank or police as soon as possible.
• Check for additions to the ATM that are not usual
(such as a leaflet holder).
• Cover your hand as you enter your PIN by holding your other hand above it.
• Check your account balance regularly.
• Inform your bank immediately if your account shows any transactions you did
not make.
STOLEN MATERIAL CAN NOW
BE TRACED
Police today, 2nd
December 2009 launched a new forensic system which can individually trace the
criminal or stolen property.
The force is the first
in
To tackle recent rural
thefts police have teamed up with local Farm Watch schemes and obtained the
SMARTWATER property coding systems, which will be offered to Farm Watch
members. Property marked by this new system will be uniquely marked and easier
to trace.
SMARTWATER is protective
marking system and a crime prevention and detection tool. It is a liquid based
solution that effectively links the criminal to the crime scene.
Each location or piece
of equipment covered by SMARTWATER has a forensically unique liquid, like a
fingerprint. It is a new form of forensic science that is waterproof and has
been used to success already in
UV lighting is placed in
police custody areas and property stores, if the criminal or stolen equipment
is nearby, the liquid will be clearly visible. Offenders do not necessarily
need to be located that same day, as the solution remains on skin until
exfoliation occurs and is virtually impossible to remove from clothing or
shoes.
The applied solution is
clear and invisible to the naked eye, it can not be scrapped or burnt off and
less than a pin head is required for identification purposes. It can remain on
property for many years.
After marking equipment
in homes or workplaces, the property owners would then register the use with
the SMARTWATER database for identification purposes. Should property ever
be stolen and recovered, the marking will assist the police to identify
owners.
The solution is not
harmful and is also available in spray canisters as part of an alarm system.
This sprays directly onto any intruder when activated and offenders may not
even be aware they have been sprayed.
These alarms have been
already been placed on some vulnerable premises within the region and will
continue to be so where it is deemed appropriate.
Constable Alistair
Mitchell, Crime Reduction Officer,
“The introduction of
Farm Watch and the SMARTWATER marking kits illustrates how by working together
with the community we will target and pursue these offenders.”
Superintendent Mike
Leslie, Community Safety said: “Criminals are notoriously lazy individuals who
focus on easy targets. We would encourage the public to ensure their property
is secure at all times and suitably marked making it difficult for criminals.
“The introduction of
these systems will be an additional tool in preventing crime and warning the
criminal that they will be pursued and caught.”
SMARTWATER is available
commercially but by working with businesses, the public and the numerous crime
prevention schemes operating in the region; the police, through the Community
Safety Partnership, are able to assist in offering access to marking kits at a
reduced rate. Should any members of the public, businesses or schemes require
additional information they should contact their local crime prevention
officer.
Pictured left to
right Constable Alistair Mitchell, Nigel Anderson Smartwater, Chief Inspector
Jacqui Mcllwraith, Brian Smith Neighbourhood Watch
The new Neighbourhood Watch window and wheelie bin stickers with the Scottish Thistle Logo is now available
If you are starting a scheme or if your scheme has never had window stickers, ask your community Police officer
who should be able to supply you. A small stock has been made available across Dumfries & Galloway. Wheelie
bin stickers (A5 size) are available from the Watch Administrator at 50p each
If you have any problems contact the Watch Administrator e-mail dgnhw@annanview.fsnet.co.uk or call 01387 810588
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The
Scottish Police Service, power supplies and other key partners are working
together
to crack
down on residential cannabis factories.
We
need your help to identify and eradicate these facilities.
Criminals are lives at risk
by operating in residential areas.
Homes and
Families are under threat due to increased fire risk associated with this
illegal activity
So please be
vigilant and look out for the following signs
Some
of these factors combined may indicate that there is a cannabis factory on the
premises
If you
believe there is such a factory in your area please call
Crimestoppers on 0800
555 111 or your local Police Station
·
The windows of
the property are permanently covered from the inside
·
Visits to the
premises occur at unusual times of day or night
·
People often do
not live in the premises and only visit to maintain them
·
The offenders may
call daily or weekly but usually do not stay long
·
The cannabis or
by-products such as used fertiliser will be removed
in black bin bags or laundry bags
·
Compost bags or
gardening equipment may be left outside
usually at the rear of the premises
·
There maybe a
vent protruding through the roof or rear window
·
There maybe a
pungent smell coming from the premises
·
There maybe noise
coming from equipment on the premises(e.g. cooling fans)
Remember
– if you suspect anything do not approach yourself.
Please
call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or your local Police Station
The
leaflet supplied by SCDEA is available as a download on the AoSNW web site
February 2007
New telephone number for Dumfries & Galloway Police 0845 600 5701
Emergency Calls are still on 999
Crimstoppers 0800 555 111
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dumfries & Galloway Neighbourhood Watch welcomes your input to the site, if you have any local neighbourhood Watch events or information you wish to share contact us at dgnhw@annanview,fsnet.co.uk