Drug use ‘linked to crime’

TACKLING drug abuse in Dundee i s t he key t o reducing crime across the city, a senior councillor has claimed.

Health convener Ken Lynn i nsists there i s a direct link between drug use and theft — and that working to help people who misuse substances can help prevent a range of criminal activities.

The Maryfield SNP councillor spoke out after police statistics revealed more than 300 reports of shoplifting had been passed t o officers i n Dundee during a threemonth period.

Mr Lynn said: “The bulk of shoplifting, I believe, funds drug habits. There’s a correlation between it and drug use.

“If someone has a £50-a -day habit and cannot hold down employment then they can’t fund it from benefits alone.

“We are setting up an initiative similar to the Fairness Commission with a focus on drugs and alcohol. If we can get drug use down, particularly chaotic drug use, then hopefully it can have an impact on a lot of other areas.”