Met targets drug addicts

Drug addicts are to be targeted by police before they commit a crime.

In a revolutionary scheme, officers are to go after drug users suspected of committing up to 80 per cent of crime in London.

They are to be offered places at drug treatment centres in an effort to break their cycle of offending. If they refuse, they will be told they could face jail when next prosecuted.

The trial scheme is being launched in Enfield today by Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair. Police have drawn up a list of 34 addicts suspected of committing the majority of crime in the borough. So far 22 addicts have been approached and 17 have agreed to take part.

The borough commander, Chief Superintendent Simon O'Brien, said: "If we can get them clear of drugs then that is a success for them as well as society, but if all we do is reduce the number of offences that will be an achievement."

The scheme is being run in partnership with drug action teams, probation services and the council.

Launching the scheme, Sir Ian said: "Treatment brings the potential for significant crime reduction. It offers addicted offenders an opportunity to break the cycle of crime and drugs while reducing the number of victims of crime in Enfield."