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With Crime Stoppers programs across Australia now rolling out their Dob in a Dealer activities, it’s timely to share some uncomfortable truths that a drug dealer won’t be in any hurry to reveal – and the reality can be just as painful as the misery they spread through their illegal activities.

Here are six things worth thinking about ….

Dealers use fillers

It is common knowledge that drug dealers “cut” or mix in fillers to drugs, and what is added could easily be a death sentence to a user. Drugs are sold by the amount, so when a dealer wants to make a bigger profit they simply mix drugs with a range of other substances to achieve more income. For powdered drugs, like cocaine, it’s not uncommon for a range of fillers to be added which are not easily detected to the naked eye. Fillers could include everything from vitamin B-12, laxatives, right through to dewormers normally used to treat animals.

It’s profit over people

Drug dealers do what they do so they can make money. They are shonky salesmen peddling in an illegal trade, regardless of whether they happen to be selling to support themselves or just to have extra money to fund their own drug use. They work hard to build up trusted clients to create a ‘supply and demand’ dynamic – and will do plenty to be your ‘friend’ in order to get the sale. Don’t forget, there’s plenty of examples where someone suddenly owes money to a dealer, and that friendly demeanour slips and becomes a far more violent association.

They don’t know what’s in the drugs

It might be hard to believe, but dealers don’t really know what’s in the drugs they are selling. Plenty of drug dealers are just a middle-man, and someone else, somewhere else originally made the drugs before they were shipped, trucked or flown into the hands of the current dealer. The drugs could have been traded a number of times, and unknown fillers added in along the way. When you buy drugs there’s no guarantee that they are what someone says they are, so it is Russian Roulette when it comes to your health and well-being.

Pain caused is conveniently forgotten

Drug dealers operate in a world full of fear, hurt and pain. Not only does a dealer face the constant prospect of being arrested and held to account, each and every customer they have also faces the same threat – and could easily turn in their drug dealer to help reduce the severity of charges they might be facing or shorten a prison term. A drug dealer isn’t going to tell you about some of the desperate things addicts do to get their next fix, or the occasions where someone overdoses and dies as a result. It would be bad for business.

There’s never a “deal”

Whether someone likes it or not, drug dealers don’t play favourites. There’s never going to be a ‘special rate’ or deal on offer just because you happen to be a nice person. Like any other business, drug dealers make a profit by charging more for their product than what they paid for it. What that means is the more they charge, the more they make. And what users can often find is that they need to resort to robbery, theft and housebreakings to fund their habit and get the money needed. All too often victims of drug users are family and friends.

There’s something you can do

Let’s not kid ourselves about the damage that drug dealers continue to cause. Sitting back and watching drug dealers destroy the lives of the people you care about should not be an option.

Crime Stoppers is a trusted, independent link between police and the community. We do not have call display or call trace on any of our telephones, and we do not record any calls or log an IP address if it is an online report.

You are under no obligation to share any personal details, and information you provide can be nothing more than a suspicion. Even the smallest piece of information can make all the difference.

If you have any information about drug makers or dealers, you can contact Crime Stoppers via a toll-free hotline (1800 333 000), make a report at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or use our FREE Report Suspicious Behaviour apps (suitable for iOS and Android phones).

 

The recent launch of Dob in a Dealer campaign must be getting some traction in the community, because during October the Crime Stoppers SA call centre received 180 calls from people wanting to share information about a range of drug manufacturing and dealing activities.

As a result, one clandestine lab was discovered and shut down, while 136 cannabis plants and 17kg of dried cannabis was also seized.

People continued to provide information on a number of unsolved serious crimes, including the murder of Martin Meffert, presumed murders of Scott Redman and Tanja Ebert, the graffiti attack on the “Malls Balls’ in the city, as well as robberies and serious criminal trespass incidents.

During October our weekly crime segment on 9 News Adelaide called for help to track down those responsible for the murder of Adelaide schoolgirl Heather Turner in 1998 and asked for someone who has previously contacted Crime Stoppers to do so again about the unsolved cold case killing of Peter Seaford in Whyalla in 1989. We also released CCTV of a suspect armed with a syringe wanted for a robbery in the city late last year and appealed for help to solve the murders of teenager Karen Williams, Anna Rosa Liva, Colin Ernest Williams and Andrew “Wilbur” Williamson in Coober Pedy.

You can watch these and other weekly crime segments at our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/SIBSACrimeStoppers

During the month, our innovative crime-solving tactics and community safety initiatives also saw Crime Stoppers South Australia win three major categories in the 2018 Crime Stoppers International awards for efforts to solve the cold case murder of Port Lincoln woman, Susan Goodwin, the unsolved murder of Martin Meffert, and a personal safety campaign aimed at people enjoying the end-of-year party period.

October results also included:

• More than 2,200 telephone calls and online reports being received;
• 1062 intelligence reports raised, and 946 actions issued for investigation;
• 3 firearms and more than $40,000 cash seized;
• More than 8,100 people visited the Crime Stoppers SA website, resulting in 23,500 page views;
• 55 people were apprehended, including 25 males and 7 females arrested or reported for serious offences.

If you have any information about criminal activity and unsolved crimes, then don’t forget that you can call our free hotline on 1800 333 000, go to crimestopperssa.com.au or download the free Report Suspicious Behaviour app for iOS and Android phones.

Rewards are available and you can remain anonymous.

 

Crime Stoppers SA has partnered with the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and SA Police to combat graffiti and vandalism attacks on SA’s train, tram and bus network.

Incidents of graffiti and vandalism attacks on public transport network come at a high cost to taxpayers, with an estimated $800,000 per year spent on cleaning graffiti off public transport infrastructure.

The first stage of the campaign has been rolled out on the Seaford line to put the spotlight on graffiti vandals, and is designed to increase awareness of what the public can do help combat graffiti attacks in their local area.

Rewards of up to $1,000 will be available to people who provide information which leads to a successful conviction of an individual for committing a graffiti-related offence on all types of public transport and associated infrastructure such as train stations.

The campaign will be run in various forms and across a number of different communications channels, with signage at 23 stations, targeted social media advertisements, posters on-board buses and Seaford trains, and on other digital platforms.

Vandalism and property damage is unsightly and it can make people feel unsafe. Often the seriousness of the offending goes beyond simply marking graffiti, and includes vandals even attempting to stop, delay or disable trains, putting commuters at risk, or being aggressive toward those who challenge them while marking graffiti. Those marking graffiti are often not just scribblers, but serious repeat criminal offenders who have scant regard for public property or safety.

If you have any information that can help catch a graffiti vandal who has damaged public transport, call Crime Stoppers SA on 1800 333 000 or go to crimestopperssa.com.au to make a report.

You can remain anonymous.

 

The rollout of our Dob in a Dealer campaign is in full swing across South Australia, with people providing some great information about all types of drug dealers and makers.

Last week we shared with you how to spot a meth-lab, so this week we want to help you identify possible signs of a hydroponic cannabis crop being grown nearby. There has been plenty of examples where ordinary homes are turned into makeshift cannabis grow houses, so we need your help to shut them down.

Here are some signs to look out for:

Strong, sickly smells

It may sound obvious, but most hydroponic cannabis crops are discovered by passers-by or keen-nosed residents catching a whiff of the drug’s familiar smell. A cannabis crop takes about three months to grow and in the final weeks, the plants can really stink.

Windows are constantly covered

Maybe your neighbours have curtains drawn all day long or have panelling or sheeting up at windows to hide something they don’t want you to see. This could be a sign that there are many budding plants inside soaking up bright artificial light.

Excessive security

Drug growers live in constant fear that their home-grown set-ups will be discovered by police, landlords or rival drug dealers. If there are padlocks on the gates, massive security features and double and triple locks on the doors, that should certainly raise eyebrows – especially if a street is relatively safe. It is also not unusual to spot bars on the windows and CCTV cameras to alert for possible intruders.

High levels of condensation

Are the windows always misted up? From the inside, landlords might notice damp on the walls or peeling wallpaper, while from the outside a neighbour might spot condensation on the windows, even when it’s not particularly cold outside. The condensation may well be due to inside having been turned into a makeshift greenhouse. For the best plant growth, cannabis needs an atmosphere similar to a greenhouse, and this can cause a lot of condensation.

Lots of visitors – especially at odd hours

Frequent and varied visitors to a property, often at unusual times, could mean you just have a popular neighbour with a big family. But if unfamiliar faces are turning up next door day and night, it might be a sign that there’s something more sinister going on. One thing to watch for is lots of new faces coming knocking.

High electricity bills

The lights, dehumidifiers, hydroponic systems and heaters take a lot of electricity. Many hydroponic set-ups have been found where growers illegally bypass the electricity metre so they don’t have to pay for the massive amounts of electricity used. If you are a landlord who happens to get a copy of a bill that has gone up or down suddenly it might be a sign that a neighbour has tapped into your supply and you are inadvertently funding their drug growing operation.

What happens when it is cold or frosty?

Hydroponic cannabis set-ups produce a lot of heat, which can cause tell-tale signs, especially in winter. When it is frosty, a roofs can be an obvious sign because it is too warm for frost to settle.

Bright lights day and night

It’s strange for anyone to need unusually bright lights on 24 hours a day. Cannabis needs light to grow, so be on the lookout for homes with bright lighting at all times of the day and night. Lights will often be on a timer switch, coming on in the middle of the night.

Constant buzz of ventilation

If you can hear the constant noise of a fan, at all times of the day or night, chances are it could be acting as ventilation for the cannabis grow.

If you have any information – or suspect – that cannabis is being hydroponically grown then call Crime Stoppers SA on 1800 333 000 or make a report at crimestopperssa.com.au

 

It’s not about who you are, just what you know. If you want to stay anonymous then that’s ok – and rewards are still available.

As South Australia braces for a long, hot and dry Summer ahead, Crime Stoppers South Australia has again joined forces with Police Credit Union to encourage people living, working and visiting South Australia to be extra vigilant and on the lookout for firebugs during the months ahead.

On the eve of the start of the Fire Danger Season in the Mount Lofty Ranges and Adelaide metropolitan area, Crime Stoppers South Australia chair, Ms Sharon Hanlon, said the Bushfire Arson campaign had been designed to help people understand signs of suspicious behaviour to report.

“The Fire Danger Season can be an anxious time for many, and an arsonist may be practicing in your area. Bushfires can have a catastrophic effect on the community, so if anyone has information on arsonists then they are urged to report it – anonymously if they choose – to Crime Stoppers South Australia,” Ms Hanlon said.

“Arsonists are known to often ignite small fires, practicing their methods before escalating to larger and potentially more devastating bushfires. What may appear to be an insignificant fire may demonstrate an arsonist’s pattern of crime. If this behaviour is left undetected, the arsonist may continue lighting fires, which could lead to devastating results,” she said.

“It is important to pay attention to what is going on around you during the Fire Danger Season, and every time you’re out for a hike, run, drive or picnic, you are encouraged to keep watch for suspicious arson activity.”

What to look out for:

• People acting unusually, or wearing unusual clothing — they just don’t seem to fit. For example, not dressed for a trail walk, looking nervous when you pass.
• If something or someone makes you stop and wonder what’s going on. Try and remember their age, sex, weight, height, hair colour or clothing.
• A vehicle or driver looks out of place; take note of registration number, make, model, colour and any distinguishing features (such as dents, stickers).
• Some arsonists practice with small fires before igniting a larger one, so if you see signs of burnt out spot fires or anything suspicious then it is important to report it.

“It is important for people to know which number to call and why. If someone sees suspicious behaviour currently happening then they should call Police on 131 444, if they see a fire burning then call 000 for fire services, and if they have information about someone who is deliberately lighting fires then they can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au ,” Ms Hanlon said.

People can remain anonymous and rewards are available.

The phones were ringing hot and web reports steadily streaming in throughout September, with nearly 2000 contacts received by people wanting to do their bit for a safer community.

Information was fairly wide-ranging throughout the month, with 22 people apprehended by police for an array of crimes as a direct result. Three firearms were also located and taken off the street.

People provided information on a number of unsolved serious crimes, including the murder of Colleen Adams, Rhianna Barreau, and grandmother Kathleen Durdin, as well as the disappearance and presumed murder of Michael Modesti and Susan Goodwin.

During September our weekly crime segment on 9 News Adelaide profiled three of SA’s most wanted men. Stuart Pearce remains a suspect in the murder of his wife and three of his children at Parafield Gardens in 1991 and hasn’t been seen since the victims’ bodies were found in the burnt-out home. Jonathon Simmons is still on the run and suspected of committing deception offences worth more than $50,000, while Glen Rajkovic is wanted for manufacturing and possessing illegal drugs and breaching bail.

We also profiled the unsolved shooting murder of Bora Altintas at Brompton in 1998, and called for help to identify a man caught on CCTV at a Brooklyn Park laundromat, where he committed a sexually assault.

You can watch these and other weekly crime segments at our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/SIBSACrimeStoppers

During September:

• More than 1400 telephone calls and 300 web reports were received – with 45 of those specifically relating to firearms;
• A total of 838 intelligence reports were raised;
• 767 actions were issued for investigation;
• More than 9,100 people visited the Crime Stoppers SA website, resulting in 25,600 page views;
• 24 cannabis plants, 13kg of dried cannabis and 10g of Amphet-Meth was located;
• 13 males and 3 females were charged with a range of serious offences.

If you have any information about criminal activity and unsolved crimes, then don’t forget that you can call our free hotline on 1800 333 000, go to crimestopperssa.com.au or download the free Report Suspicious Behaviour app for iOS and Android phones.

Rewards are available and you can remain anonymous.

As the rollout of Dob in a Dealer continues across South Australia, we thought it might be useful to share with you some information that might help spot a drug lab nearby.

Ice labs have been found right across South Australia in factories, backyard sheds, rural properties, apartments, family homes, hotel rooms – even inside caravans and tents in the bush. But what are the tell-tale signs you should you be looking for?

While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to where criminals manufacture Ice, there are often a number of signs of a drug house that you can look out for, and include:

Strange odours

The drug manufacturing process involves mixing, breaking down or changing the structure of precursor substances using other chemicals and heat sources, and this creates unusual odours. In particular, there is often a strong acetone smell produced from Ice labs.

Chemical containers and waste

Clandestine drug laboratories create a lot of toxic waste, and it’s often stored onsite in buckets or dumped nearby. That’s not to mention the chemical storage containers often found discarded in or around lab sites, including a backyard.

Blacked out windows

Drug manufacturers will often cover or black out the windows, either with window coverings or foil, to hide their illicit activity from the neighbours.

Hoses and pipes in strange places

Many drug manufacturers will use household items to make their drugs, including hoses, pipes and containers bought from hardware stores. An excess of these types of items around a property could be a sign of illicit activity taking place.

Vehicles coming and going at odd hours

Criminals don’t work just during business hours. The drug manufacturing process requires regular checking, so it’s not uncommon for those involved in the manufacture of Ice to come and go at all times of the day and night. Unusual vehicle movements could also be a sign of drug supply occurring at a property.

If you suspect that a property is being used to manufacture Ice, you can report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make an online report at crimestopperssa.com.au  Rewards are available and you can remain anonymous

Your information can make a difference.

And don’t forget – Dob in a Dealer isn’t just focused on Ice. All drug makers and dealers are in the spotlight.

 

Pic credit: SA Police

 

At its 39^th annual conference, Crime Stoppers International announced our very own Crime Stoppers SA Chair, Sharon Hanlon, as the new global President of Crime Stoppers.

In the 40 years since Crime Stoppers began, this is the first time a woman has served as President.

With more than two decades executive experience, Ms Hanlon brings a unique and diverse perspective to the CSI leadership role. She has led large-scale projects for government agencies and the private sector, and has a proven track record for contributing to cultural change, business strategy and corporate planning.

Ms Hanlon is well-versed in corporate governance thanks to her experience serving as the director for a number of public and private sector boards.

She has also served in several Crime Stoppers leadership roles during the last decade and in addition to be the current Chair of Crime Stoppers South Australia, Deputy Chair of Crime Stoppers Australia, and has been a CSI Director for the last two and a half years.

Limestone Coast residents are being asked to help Crime Stoppers South Australia and SA Police to disrupt the manufacture and supply of drugs by reporting anything they know about drug-dealing offences happening within their local community.

The Dob in a Dealer campaign is a nation-wide program funded by the Federal Government to stop Australia’s supply chain of illicit drugs including methylamphetamine (ice), cocaine, MDMA, heroin and cannabis.

Crime Stoppers South Australia Chair, Ms Sharon Hanlon, said “Drug dealers are often hiding in plain sight within regional communities, with some people finding it easier to turn a blind eye and not speak out for fear of retaliation – but anonymously contacting Crime Stoppers offers a solution.”

“In South Australia, the last Dob in a Dealer campaign which ran from February 2016 to March 2017 saw more than 240 reports made concerning drug related activity, which contributed to a number of arrests and reports and provided police with numerous strong investigative leads that saw the seizure of an array of drugs, firearms and stolen property,” she said.

“Because regional communities are close-knit, people tend to know who is selling drugs to their family, friends and colleagues. They might feel powerless when it comes to doing something about it or think it’s up to someone else, but let’s not kid ourselves about the damage that drug dealers continue to cause. Sitting back and watching dealers destroy the lives of the people you care about should not be an option. We need people to make a difference by contacting Crime Stoppers and sharing what they know.”

Ms Hanlon said the Limestone Coast component of the campaign includes distribution of flyers across the region, advertising in local media, and direct engagement with the community.

“Through Dob in a Dealer, we’re not asking you to dob in your mates. We’re asking you to be a mate and look after the welfare of those you care most about by reporting to Crime Stoppers anything you have seen or heard that could relate to the import, manufacture or supply of any illicit drug.”

“Crime Stoppers is a safe, trusted link between the community and police. We don’t need to know who someone is, just what they know. Even if someone has little more than a suspicion that still might be the piece of the puzzle that can make all the difference – so our message is for people to make the call and choose to stay anonymous,” she said.

If you have any information about someone who is manufacturing or dealing drugs, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au. You can remain anonymous.