Shrewsbury police in crackdown on discarded needles

Inspector Ed Hancox of Shrewsbury Police has said that while the town does not have 'a huge drug issue', members of the public have raised concerns over the discovery of discarded needles around the town centre.

The inspector said that 'Team Shrewsbury', an organisation which includes Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury Town Council, Shrewsbury Business Improvement District, the street pastors, Shrewsbury Ark, Safer Shrewsbury, Shropshire Fire and Rescue, and Shrewsbury Police, has made the issue a priority.

He explained that the needles had been found near Shrewsbury Library, School Gardens, St Alkmunds Church, and St Chad's.

"We do not have a huge drug issue in Shrewsbury but local residents have raised concerns, particularly around needle finds in the town.

"We are working through Team Shrewsbury to try and tackle this."

Inspector Hancox said that substance misuse teams have been asked to ensure that needle exchanges collect used needles before fresh ones are given out.

He said: "We are just trying to reinforce that needle exchanges are just that, exchanges."

The inspector said that Team Shrewsbury was also looking to make sure that any needles discovered around the town are removed safely and quickly.

He added: "One thing is to make sure that when they are reported they are collected quickly and safely, and that when we have reports of drug use or supply that they are being acted upon quickly."

The needles are being used by people to take heroin according to the police.

Inspector Hancox was keen to point out that while the needles do represent a problem, the force does not consider Shrewsbury to have a significant issue with drug taking.

He said: "I think we have a small number of people who are taking drugs in the town centre who are not disposing of their needles responsibly.

"I do not think we have an epidemic of drug taking in the town."

As a result of the finds police have increased patrols in the areas affected, as well as those carried out by council enforcement officers, while street pastors and staff form Shrewsbury Town Council have also been asked to report any needle finds.

Inspector Hancox said: "It's really about teamwork from all the partners within Team Shrewsbury, and we advise any member of the public who finds needles to call it in."