POLICE have launched a new initiative called 'Communities against Drugs' in a bid to reduce the levels of crime linked to drug abuse, and at the same time to help treat users.

The project which is being funded for three years, got underway last Wednesday (August 1). Officers leading the project are DC Aidan Lavin and DC David Johnston. Their main role will be to liaise with the community including resident groups, parent groups, local authorities and professional drug agencies about the various treatments available to help drug users.

DC Aidan Lavin, said: "We will have a strategy in place to bear down down on the supply side as well as looking at the impact on the demand side. One of our prime aims is to push the Government Treatment Programme to help people come off drugs and realise there is another alternative.

"We will be targeting those who use heroine and cocaine along with other types of drug users. A confidential line will be set up in the near future because not only does it cover the medium level drug dealers but also anti-social behaviour linked to drugs.

"Burglary, robbery, autocrime and shoplifting are the most popular forms of crime to help fund their drug habits.

"Finally we want to make the low level crime environment a very difficult place to operate in and in the process reassure people that if they have a habit - come and get treatment and help yourself."