DRUG addicts who turn to crime to feed their habit steal property worth nearly £127 million a year in Greater Manchester alone.

The county's police this week launched Operation Jigsaw aimed to combat the drugs problem and ultimately reduce crime.

Police say: "An addict needs over £29,000 a year. To raise that he needs to steal property worth nearly £88,000 which reduces by a third when 'fenced'."

"Operation Jigsaw is a co-ordinated effort by all agencies involved in tackling the drugs problem as well as others able to influence all age groups against getting involved in drugs.

"Working together can make a difference. Changes won't be overnight. We know drug misuse is a major problem, now we have the opportunity to tackle it together."

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