| The “unfortunate side effect” was linked to the success of the operation in disrupting the supply of heroin and forcing up the price, Assistant Chief Constable Clive Murray told the board.
Levels of serious and violent crime in the first three months of this year mirrored 2007, but by the end of June there had been an increase of 39 crimes, mostly serious assault, he said.
“Most of the increase occurred in Central Division and more recent analysis indicates that out of 46 serious assaults recorded, 12 involved the use of a knife or bladed instrument.”
ACC Murray said the increase could be associated with disruption of a localised drugs market.
“In 82% of robberies detected, we are dealing with people with heroin addiction,” he said, adding that in many violent crimes both attacker and victim were addicts.
There had also been some increase in prostitution, he said.
ACC Murray said there was anecdotal evidence the supply of drugs in the two target areas had been suppressed, with a consequent increase in price.
He said there had been 39 arrests arising from Waterloo to date.
“We are also beginning to see civil court activity in terms of eviction of individuals who have been convicted for drug trafficking and related offences,” he said.
He assured the Board that there had been many positive aspects to the operation.
“Heroin overdoses are down. Over August there were only two drugs deaths in the Central Division. The good news for me is that intelligence suggests there are people going voluntarily to AD Action and other agencies for treatment. We have been told by addicts they welcome the operation because it gives them a chance to get off heroin.
“Also, reports of drug paraphernalia in some of the drug hot spots has dropped.
“We know what a worry it can be to mothers with kids playing in an area where a lot of needles are discarded.”
Councillor George Regan asked ACC Murray if Operation Waterloo was considered a good model and whether it would be implemented in other problem areas of the city.
ACC Murray replied that Waterloo had been developed over several months and was being developed further.
“It is a good model and it will be developed further for areas that create this hostile environment.
“If you ask me, ‘Did you get it all right on this occasion?’, the answer is no.
“We have to learn from the experience. We have to involve and work with partners.
“Police are there primarily to deal with enforcement.” |
