| Last week, east end councillor Christina Roberts warned in the Tele the war against drugs was a battle in which there would be no winners, following complaints from residents in Douglas.
She went on to say she had heard about drug dealing going on in Glenconnor Drive in Linathen and this statement has prompted locals to phone in about the severity of the problem there.
One resident has described the situation as “just as bad as the Hilltown”.
He said, “When we heard about the drugs being sold on Glenconner Drive it wasn’t a surprise. Everybody in Linlathen knows who it is. He is the main problem.
“He stays very close to the place where the dealing goes on.”
Another resident, who did not wish to be identified, said she wanted the Tele to know how bad things were in the area.
“I don’t think the police would have done anything about the problem in the Hilltown if the Tele hadn’t highlighted it in the first place.
“I want to let you know it’s just as bad as the Hilltown and I want that to change.”
“I think people are too scared to report the guy. I don’t know whether to phone the police. I don’t want trouble.
“He’s got other people selling them (drugs) for him — there’s a big problem here.”
Christina Roberts said she was saddened to hear people were living in such fear and urged them to contact Crimestoppers, which provides anonymity for callers.
“If you phone crime stoppers, you don’t have to give any of your details — they don’t care who you are, as long as you give them good information.
“These drug dealers are very, very, clever and mobile phones are the bain of the police — as soon as someone spots a police car, they let everyone know.
“It’s not fair on the people that live in the area. Lots of people have got kids and you don’t want that on your doorstep.
Mrs Roberts said she does keep in touch with the police and community liaison officers, but it’s so important residents tell the authorities if they are aware of anything going on.
“To get these people off our streets and to reclaim our streets we need to help the police.
“There are new houses being built and they are trying to regenerate the area.
“The shop even shuts early in the evening because the owner doesn’t want kids hanging about outside contributing to anti-social behaviour.
“Most of the drug-related crimes solved are intelligence-led — and the police rely on information from the public.
“It’s a shame people are having to put up with this — it’s heartbreaking to see. Linlathen was always a very sought-after scheme and if we could get rid of the people who are bringing it down, it could be the same again.”
A spokeswoman for Tayside Police said while the force would encourage members of the community to speak to them in connection with any criminal activity in their neighbourhood, it is understandable that, sometimes, people prefer to remain completely anonymous when reporting crime — and the best way to do that is through the registered charity Crimestoppers.
She explained, “Those who work at the Crimestoppers charity know the guarantee of anonymity that comes with contacting Crimestoppers is vitally important to those who call them.
“It’s important to note that, when you call Crimestoppers, you will not be required to give your name, you will not have to make a police statement, you will not appear in court, and your call will not be recorded.
“Call handlers will create a report, but this does not contain any information that may identify you, not even your gender. The Crimestopper’s promise of anonymity has never been broken.
To give informationanonymously to Crimestoppers, call 0800 555 111. |
