Treatment figures beating crime in Warwickshire
Warwickshire has exceeded targets for getting drug users into treatment services in the county according to a national report.
The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse has recently published regional performance reports showing the number of problematic drug users (heroin and cocaine) who are receiving treatment.
The reports bring together data gathered by local authority Drug and Alcohol Action Teams (DAATs) across the county.
In 2008-09, in Warwickshire, 1111 drug users commenced effective treatment – defined as engagement with support services which continues for a minimum of 12 weeks - exceeding the DAAT’s target for the year of 1053. Treatment includes prevention and intervention work such as prescription of replacement drugs such as methadone and counselling.
Supporting drug users through effective treatment is a contributing factor to the reduction in the incidence of acquisitive crime which has been recorded by the county council.
Over the past five years the number of people receiving treatment has increased by 65 per cent, corresponding with a 30 per cent decline in recorded burglaries, a 40 per cent decrease in thefts from vehicles, and theft of vehicles have decreased by 20 per cent.
A reduction in personal theft and robbery has also been noted with these incidences down by 10 per cent and 7 percent respectively for the same time period.
Research from Warwickshire’s Drug Intervention Programme shows that drug-using offenders who commit these crimes in Warwickshire are spending up to £1000 each week on their drugs, so getting into treatment programmes is an effective way to break this cycle.
Cllr Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection with Warwickshire County Council, said: “Whilst crime reduction cannot be attributed solely to drug users going into treatment, the figures do show a very positive correlation. The DAAT will continue to work with Police and other agencies on initiatives to help reduce incidences of crime in Warwickshire.
“It is also worth highlighting that getting more drug users into effective treatment leads to a marked reduction in drug dependency; this in turn relieves pressures on county health services.”
Kit Leck, Strategy Manager for Warwickshire’s DAAT, added: "Tackling drugs has been a county and district priority for some time. Research shows that between a third and a half of acquisitive crimes such as burglary and robbery are drug related.
"This is why we are so pleased to announce that our NHS and voluntary sector partners have achieved such impressive results in the sustained engagement of drug users in treatment."