Oldham police and drugs services are using Bluetooth technology to gather information about drug dealers during 'Tackling Drugs, Changing Lives week' (19-24 May) to disrupt the supply of drugs in the area.
The Bluetooth transmitters will be sending out an animated message advising residents that police are tackling drugs in the area, and encouraging them to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they have information about drug dealing in their area.
Throughout the week, the mobile police station will visit different areas of Oldham delivering the message to local people. Police officers and representatives from Oldham Drug Intervention Programme (ODIP) will also be on hand to give out practical help and advice.
Chief Inspector Johnathon Clarke said: “The transmitters have a range of 10 to 100 metres and all phones that are Bluetooth enabled in the area, receive the message once, and then have the choice of accepting the message or not. "This Tackling Drugs, Changing Lives awareness week is all about disrupting the flow of drugs in Oldham and getting those who are reliant on drugs into the treatment they need."
ODIP Manager, Julian Guerriero said: "By working with the police we can ensure that those using drugs can be offered the help and treatment needed to stop this dependency. Obviously supply and demand go hand in hand, and this week we are aiming to tackle both sides of drug misuse."
