Welcome to this podcast made possible by Vision Australia Radio. Your community radio station visit via Radio dot org for more information on Vision Australia Radio and our podcasts.

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Try to catch up with our friends from Crimestoppers. Claire Dunne Best is on the line. Good to catch up.

Try to catch up with our friends from Crimestoppers. Claire Dunne Best is on the line. Good to catch up.

Clare Good to catch up, Peter. A month, guys, Really quickly.

Clare Good to catch up, Peter. A month, guys, Really quickly.

Doesn't it just I can't believe it. This is a very important topic. Drugs. And you don't often necessarily of people who might be using them, but the big guys, as we like to say.

Doesn't it just I can't believe it. This is a very important topic. Drugs. And you don't often necessarily of people who might be using them, but the big guys, as we like to say.

That's exactly right. So we've launched a drug campaign and it's called DOB in a deal. And what we're really asking the public to do is speak up and disrupt the illicit drug trade in their local community.

That's exactly right. So we've launched a drug campaign and it's called DOB in a deal. And what we're really asking the public to do is speak up and disrupt the illicit drug trade in their local community.

Now, you're focusing in a couple of areas in particular.

Now, you're focusing in a couple of areas in particular.

Yes. So we've launched this campaign in Shepparton and Mildura, and we are targeting those who profit from illicit drugs. So we're focusing specifically on people that are manufacturing and supplying the drugs. But this message is applicable to all of Victoria.

Yes. So we've launched this campaign in Shepparton and Mildura, and we are targeting those who profit from illicit drugs. So we're focusing specifically on people that are manufacturing and supplying the drugs. But this message is applicable to all of Victoria.

As you will come back to where people are, use drugs and some actually good information you've sent through about that in a second. But okay, so what's the situation? How can people.

As you will come back to where people are, use drugs and some actually good information you've sent through about that in a second. But okay, so what's the situation? How can people.

Help? So that's a great question. But what I want to say firstly is that what we're seeing in these communities is devastating effects that illicit drug manufacture and supply can have. So those that are profiting from the illicit drug trade cause considerable harm. There's so many impacts that a community will see from this illicit drug trade. It can lead to addiction, violence, burglaries, theft, road related trauma and family violence. So these social impacts are long lasting and can really result in the community feeling unsafe.

Help? So that's a great question. But what I want to say firstly is that what we're seeing in these communities is devastating effects that illicit drug manufacture and supply can have. So those that are profiting from the illicit drug trade cause considerable harm. There's so many impacts that a community will see from this illicit drug trade. It can lead to addiction, violence, burglaries, theft, road related trauma and family violence. So these social impacts are long lasting and can really result in the community feeling unsafe.

And I guess in those particular, as you talked about, I mean, that, you know, big, big towns, if you like, but probably in a sense, a lot of people would know. A lot of people say what the impact might be, a bit more than perhaps in a big city where people might be a little bit more anonymous.

And I guess in those particular, as you talked about, I mean, that, you know, big, big towns, if you like, but probably in a sense, a lot of people would know. A lot of people say what the impact might be, a bit more than perhaps in a big city where people might be a little bit more anonymous.

Well, what you find in, say, some of the regional communities is that people know who the drug dealers are. They actually have information on who is supplying and manufacturing. So what we're doing is we're really encouraging those people to come forward that have information and report it to Crimestoppers completely anonymously so that we can help their communities. The devastation, as I just mentioned, is far reaching. And these people that are profiting are really profiting off other people's misery and destruction of people's lives.

Well, what you find in, say, some of the regional communities is that people know who the drug dealers are. They actually have information on who is supplying and manufacturing. So what we're doing is we're really encouraging those people to come forward that have information and report it to Crimestoppers completely anonymously so that we can help their communities. The devastation, as I just mentioned, is far reaching. And these people that are profiting are really profiting off other people's misery and destruction of people's lives.

Now, there are telltale signs for us that we can look out for, sniff out, if you like.

Now, there are telltale signs for us that we can look out for, sniff out, if you like.

Absolutely. There's a lot of signs and suspicious activity that you could be aware of in your local community. And one big one is a house with cars visiting at unusual times. So that means that during the day, there's not much activity at all. It might be completely dark and silent, but at night you have cars coming and going at unusual times. It could also be an individual with unexplained wealth. So we're talking about a person that has maybe many expensive items and an income that doesn't match. And we could also be talking about an online profile or discussion group that speaks in code. And those cards are referring to illicit drugs. So there are a couple of the signs that we should be aware of. If we want to get really granular, we can look at houses that have really high fences and blacked out windows. And another really important one is a house that's letting off chemical smells because that's a really red flag warning sign right there.

Absolutely. There's a lot of signs and suspicious activity that you could be aware of in your local community. And one big one is a house with cars visiting at unusual times. So that means that during the day, there's not much activity at all. It might be completely dark and silent, but at night you have cars coming and going at unusual times. It could also be an individual with unexplained wealth. So we're talking about a person that has maybe many expensive items and an income that doesn't match. And we could also be talking about an online profile or discussion group that speaks in code. And those cards are referring to illicit drugs. So there are a couple of the signs that we should be aware of. If we want to get really granular, we can look at houses that have really high fences and blacked out windows. And another really important one is a house that's letting off chemical smells because that's a really red flag warning sign right there.

So what happens in a situation like that if I think something not quite right happening over there, what can I be encouraged to do? And as you say, it is anonymous. So people needing fear that they might be might be identified or that their privacy might be infringed.

So what happens in a situation like that if I think something not quite right happening over there, what can I be encouraged to do? And as you say, it is anonymous. So people needing fear that they might be might be identified or that their privacy might be infringed.

That's exactly right. So at Crimestoppers, we offer a anonymous recording service so you can feel confident that you can come to us with any information that you have or suspicions of drug trafficking in your local area. You can do that by making an online report that that Crimestoppers victims are you or you can give us a call on one 800 333000 and speak to someone that you can have the confidence to know that none of your personal details will be required or recorded. And if you are using the online reporting service, none of your details are tracked by that method either. But in terms of what people can share, we're looking for any information relating to the illicit drug trade, including a description of the person or group involved. We're looking for no names and aliases. We're after the location of these activities car descriptions, number plates. Even to the point where you can upload photos and videos online very safely. But we're only asking the public to come forward with that if it is safe to do so. We don't want to put anyone at risk to get any information.

That's exactly right. So at Crimestoppers, we offer a anonymous recording service so you can feel confident that you can come to us with any information that you have or suspicions of drug trafficking in your local area. You can do that by making an online report that that Crimestoppers victims are you or you can give us a call on one 800 333000 and speak to someone that you can have the confidence to know that none of your personal details will be required or recorded. And if you are using the online reporting service, none of your details are tracked by that method either. But in terms of what people can share, we're looking for any information relating to the illicit drug trade, including a description of the person or group involved. We're looking for no names and aliases. We're after the location of these activities car descriptions, number plates. Even to the point where you can upload photos and videos online very safely. But we're only asking the public to come forward with that if it is safe to do so. We don't want to put anyone at risk to get any information.

So in a sense, people can be discreet, but at the same time, it can be a very, very powerful thing that they can be doing. Claire, what about in the instance that, you know, sadly, we may have a family member that might be caught up in this, So we're kind of thinking, well, you know, I'd like to look after my family member. By the same token, I love this sort of thing to be able to be stopped. That kind of puts people in a bit of an invidious position, doesn't it?

So in a sense, people can be discreet, but at the same time, it can be a very, very powerful thing that they can be doing. Claire, what about in the instance that, you know, sadly, we may have a family member that might be caught up in this, So we're kind of thinking, well, you know, I'd like to look after my family member. By the same token, I love this sort of thing to be able to be stopped. That kind of puts people in a bit of an invidious position, doesn't it?

It really does. And that's why I want to really stress that we're going after the people that are manufacturing these drugs and supplying them. We're specifically targeting those that profit from the illicit drug trade. And I want to stress that we're not going after anyone that uses drugs. And in fact, we have support resources on our website for drug addiction and substance abuse. So we're really specifically going after the people profiting, and we're trying to educate the public on the signs like we've just mentioned here earlier. But one thing I will say is that if you have someone suffering or you are suffering, the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline, which is one 800 250015, can actually direct you to support services in your local area. And that's all free and confidential. So I'd say that's a really great number to call if you're starting out and you need some help. There's also the Drug help website, which is campaigns dot health dot gov. Today you forward slash drug help. That's another service that can connect you with drug support services. But the key message here is that if someone's had an unusual reaction to a drug or if you're feeling worried about your safety or someone else's, please call 000 immediately. That is definitely a situation to call 000.

It really does. And that's why I want to really stress that we're going after the people that are manufacturing these drugs and supplying them. We're specifically targeting those that profit from the illicit drug trade. And I want to stress that we're not going after anyone that uses drugs. And in fact, we have support resources on our website for drug addiction and substance abuse. So we're really specifically going after the people profiting, and we're trying to educate the public on the signs like we've just mentioned here earlier. But one thing I will say is that if you have someone suffering or you are suffering, the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline, which is one 800 250015, can actually direct you to support services in your local area. And that's all free and confidential. So I'd say that's a really great number to call if you're starting out and you need some help. There's also the Drug help website, which is campaigns dot health dot gov. Today you forward slash drug help. That's another service that can connect you with drug support services. But the key message here is that if someone's had an unusual reaction to a drug or if you're feeling worried about your safety or someone else's, please call 000 immediately. That is definitely a situation to call 000.

I know that over the time it seems to be more I say more common. It seems to certainly impact upon those, you know, less than city communities, doesn't it? You know, I know you know, sometimes some of those communities are in terms of representation, you know, with things like wastewater testing and that sort of stuff. They're overrepresented as far as some illicit drug use go, unfortunately.

I know that over the time it seems to be more I say more common. It seems to certainly impact upon those, you know, less than city communities, doesn't it? You know, I know you know, sometimes some of those communities are in terms of representation, you know, with things like wastewater testing and that sort of stuff. They're overrepresented as far as some illicit drug use go, unfortunately.

Drugs are an issue across all of Victoria, and regional communities do feel the effects of these problems in those small areas. So I would say it's a widespread problem.

Drugs are an issue across all of Victoria, and regional communities do feel the effects of these problems in those small areas. So I would say it's a widespread problem.

Sure. How much you can talk about this, but what happens to the information that we provide? We contact crime is on the number that we're paid. The second or website. What do you do with that information from there?

Sure. How much you can talk about this, but what happens to the information that we provide? We contact crime is on the number that we're paid. The second or website. What do you do with that information from there?

That information is prepared by the people who take the calls and then passed on to Victoria Police for them to then use that information to follow up. And that that can be the information that assists with a case. It could even assist with an arrest. So the one thing that everyone must know is that all the metadata is stripped from any online reports and you are not required to give over any personal details. You will never be called up again. Once you've given your information to Crimestoppers, it stops there.

That information is prepared by the people who take the calls and then passed on to Victoria Police for them to then use that information to follow up. And that that can be the information that assists with a case. It could even assist with an arrest. So the one thing that everyone must know is that all the metadata is stripped from any online reports and you are not required to give over any personal details. You will never be called up again. Once you've given your information to Crimestoppers, it stops there.

I know this campaign is just underway now, but do you know, like in the past, I think we've been pretty good as far as, you know, having that community spirit and wanting to help out it. And I guess in general terms, people have been with other campaigns that you run. You know, once people are aware of it, you know, we're a pretty good community minded organisation to a lot of people that do want to help others, you know, help out sort of fellow person.

I know this campaign is just underway now, but do you know, like in the past, I think we've been pretty good as far as, you know, having that community spirit and wanting to help out it. And I guess in general terms, people have been with other campaigns that you run. You know, once people are aware of it, you know, we're a pretty good community minded organisation to a lot of people that do want to help others, you know, help out sort of fellow person.

Absolutely. Peter, We get a call at Crimestoppers every 5 minutes and that's throughout the entire week. So that's 24 seven reporting service. And in the last financial year we got over 106,000 contacts, likewise to show that the community really care about their safety and they're really willing to give forward any information they have to make it a safer place for for all, really.

Absolutely. Peter, We get a call at Crimestoppers every 5 minutes and that's throughout the entire week. So that's 24 seven reporting service. And in the last financial year we got over 106,000 contacts, likewise to show that the community really care about their safety and they're really willing to give forward any information they have to make it a safer place for for all, really.

At the moment, this particular campaign is concentrating more on New Jura and Shepparton, but it doesn't matter where people are listening at the moment. If they think that there's something a little bit untoward happening in their particular neighbourhood, regardless of whether it's in Shepparton, Wajir or elsewhere, you're more than happy to hear from them as well.

At the moment, this particular campaign is concentrating more on New Jura and Shepparton, but it doesn't matter where people are listening at the moment. If they think that there's something a little bit untoward happening in their particular neighbourhood, regardless of whether it's in Shepparton, Wajir or elsewhere, you're more than happy to hear from them as well.

That is exactly right. We've launched a big campaign in November in Shepparton and with all of our campaigns we go out and launch in different areas of Victoria. We like to spread the love all over the state, but the message really does apply to the entire stage and that is that there are things to look out for when it comes to the illicit drug trade and we're really asking people. Speak up if they know something, because we're hoping to disrupt it. We want to really disrupt the illicit drug trade because of the devastation it causes.

That is exactly right. We've launched a big campaign in November in Shepparton and with all of our campaigns we go out and launch in different areas of Victoria. We like to spread the love all over the state, but the message really does apply to the entire stage and that is that there are things to look out for when it comes to the illicit drug trade and we're really asking people. Speak up if they know something, because we're hoping to disrupt it. We want to really disrupt the illicit drug trade because of the devastation it causes.

Barnett is a Region Australia radio station in both the Mildura and Shepparton South Beach area. Advise people listening through those particular stations at the moment. Clear, wonderful information out. I think we better grab some details from people and to find out more about this particular campaign. How can we do that? And then we'll wrap up by giving those numbers into websites for people who sadly may be impacted by the drug taking and maybe would like some support. That's an equally important message as well.

Barnett is a Region Australia radio station in both the Mildura and Shepparton South Beach area. Advise people listening through those particular stations at the moment. Clear, wonderful information out. I think we better grab some details from people and to find out more about this particular campaign. How can we do that? And then we'll wrap up by giving those numbers into websites for people who sadly may be impacted by the drug taking and maybe would like some support. That's an equally important message as well.

Yeah, it absolutely is. So if you'd like to find out more about the DOB in a dealer campaign, you can head over to our website. It's Crime Stoppers dot com today. You we've got a lot of campaign information on there, including videos and things to look out for. So it goes into detail about drug labs, crocuses and just the different signs that you can be aware of in your community if you want to make a report to Crime Stoppers. Again, you can jump on the Crime Stoppers website. Crime Stoppers speak to you and you just click on the Help Solve Crime tab and that's where you can giving your personal give your information over and none of your personal details, I will say. And then we've also got the number one 800 333000. And that is a confidential recording service.

Yeah, it absolutely is. So if you'd like to find out more about the DOB in a dealer campaign, you can head over to our website. It's Crime Stoppers dot com today. You we've got a lot of campaign information on there, including videos and things to look out for. So it goes into detail about drug labs, crocuses and just the different signs that you can be aware of in your community if you want to make a report to Crime Stoppers. Again, you can jump on the Crime Stoppers website. Crime Stoppers speak to you and you just click on the Help Solve Crime tab and that's where you can giving your personal give your information over and none of your personal details, I will say. And then we've also got the number one 800 333000. And that is a confidential recording service.

All right. If people want to get some support. Now, you've got a couple you've got a phone number there. The people call and also you get the website a little bit earlier as well.

All right. If people want to get some support. Now, you've got a couple you've got a phone number there. The people call and also you get the website a little bit earlier as well.

Yes. So we've got the National Drug and Alcohol Hotline and we've also got the government drug Help website there. And that is again for you a reference. The number is one 800 250015. And then that website that you can go and find the resources in your local area campaigns to help you slash drug help.

Yes. So we've got the National Drug and Alcohol Hotline and we've also got the government drug Help website there. And that is again for you a reference. The number is one 800 250015. And then that website that you can go and find the resources in your local area campaigns to help you slash drug help.

Clare, wonderful information. Thank you so much that we'll catch up again next month. It's always great to hear the wonderful work that you're doing and I call every 5 minutes. You must be doing something right for that sort of response. So let's hope that it's know that people who keep responding in that particular way. Thank you for being with us this afternoon.

Clare, wonderful information. Thank you so much that we'll catch up again next month. It's always great to hear the wonderful work that you're doing and I call every 5 minutes. You must be doing something right for that sort of response. So let's hope that it's know that people who keep responding in that particular way. Thank you for being with us this afternoon.

Thank you, Peter. People do really care about keeping the community safe, as we say here. And thank you for having us on the show and being able to talk with all your listeners about this really important.

Thank you, Peter. People do really care about keeping the community safe, as we say here. And thank you for having us on the show and being able to talk with all your listeners about this really important.

Campaign play down that's there from Crime Stoppers Victoria.

Campaign play down that's there from Crime Stoppers Victoria.

This podcast was made possible by Vision Australia Radio visit via Radio dot org for information on Vision Australia, Radio News, interviews, reviews and more of our podcasts via radio dot org.

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