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Holbeck Vice Trade Study
Managed by Government Office for Yorkshire and The Humber (GOYH), the Drug Interventions Programme (DIP) forms part of the National Drug Strategy which aims to break the links between drugs and crime. The programme brings together agencies from across the criminal justice system in order to identify the more prolific drug users.
Once they are identified, their needs are assessed by outreach workers and they may be offered treatment. Whilst accessing treatment, DIP provides support throughout the process to ensure as few people as possible return to a life of crime.
The Leeds’ DIP Team, sent outreach workers into the Holbeck Moor area of the city during October 2005 to work with sex workers to tackle their drug dependency and help them to access treatment. This operation in conjunction with West Yorkshire Police, aimed to encourage more sex workers into treatment, and those seeking their services into the courts.
As a result, 25 sex workers are now receiving treatment, 10 drug dens have been closed down, 6 people have been issued with Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) after police believed they were seeking the services of sex workers and 3 of those suspected to be involved in drug dealing or pimping have been arrested.
Throughout the week 50 people engaged with the outreach workers and 25 of those were referred into treatment to receive the support of DIP and return to a
life free of drugs and crime.
Detective Superintendent Alison Rose, who leads DIP in West Yorkshire said, "Our experience in tackling drugs suggests that there is no one size fits all
solution. Whilst those that deal respond to enforcement, those that use drugs
require a more tailor made approach. No one agency can tackle drugs alone and I believe that by using this multi-layered approach we are further demonstrating
our continued commitment to the community as we aim to achieve a more
sustainable reduction in drug use.
"By pooling the expertise of our staff and our partners we are able to reduce
the harm that drugs and drug related crime has on the quality of life for local
people."
Holbeck Police, who lead the way nationally in tackling kerb crawling after an
injunction was imposed against a man they believed to be visiting sex workers,
have gone on to achieve further success in the battle against kerb crawlers.
Seventy ABCs have been issued this year to people believed to be seeking the
services of the sex workers, this week a further six contracts have been issued.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT CARRIE GOODWIN IN THE LEEDS POLICE PRESS OFFICE
ON 0113 2413732 OR 07775 702087
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