400% increase in calls to Crimestoppers results in over 160 drug related arrests in the Bridgend Borough

This comes at a time when the Bridgend division has also been named the safest place to live in South Wales, with figures released today stating a drop in overall crime during the year 2007 of 6.7%, compared to 2006.

Without these calls, no action would have been able to take place. It is a clear and direct result of the courage that the community has taken in providing such information that has enabled such good results. The

campaign has been very much steered by this vital intelligence from the community, which has been a reflection of the communities needs.

As the ‘Rat on a Rat’ campaign has proven, that significant success can achieved when everybody works for the same goal, great heights can be reached. All of the above success has come as a result of developed and positive partner relations. Through agencies, businesses and most importantly communities working together under the umbrella of the Safer Bridgend Community Safety Partnership, Bridgend County Borough has not only made its views well known on drug dealing in its communities, but has taken the action required and looked at the whole picture of drug rehabilitation, communities needs and of course appropriately dealing with those who break the law.

Two people who were arrested during the campaign have already been jailed with lengthy sentences, and there will be more to follow, proving that the whole picture is looked at during campaigns such as Rat on a Rat, and more importantly displacement does not occur.

This is not the end of the ‘Rat on a Rat’ campaign, merely a pause to breathe before the next arrests are made.

The public are still to be encouraged to phone Crimestoppers anomalously and continue to give vital intelligence relating to drugs in their area. 0800 555 111.