Police to step up the war on meth

A dedicated police team will target the link between burglaries and methamphetamines in the Great Southern as a new tactic to help curb volume crime.

The strategy will coincide with the acquisition of three new detectives in the region in coming weeks to work closer with uniformed police to disrupt the methamphetamine trade and reduce burglaries and thefts in the suburbs.

Great Southern police district Superintendent Dom Wood said the strategy was part of an increased focus by police.

“Volume crime is our No.1 (concern) but we have also made a commitment to have a look at the links between burglaries and stealings and meth and why these are occurring and where the property is going,” he said.

“We want to try and reduce volume crime sustainably and utilise these new detectives by having them work very close with uniform police.”

Supt Wood said the teams were part of a multi-pronged strategy targeting methamphetamine through road policing.

He said local police would have to build significant intelligence before applying for additional resources to tackle drug distribution, including the latest police weapon, a new mobile X-ray truck unveiled earlier this week.

“It would be safe to say Albany Highway is considered by most as a main arterial route but we can’t assure it’s the only way drugs are coming in,” Supt Wood said.

“We have to focus on building our intelligence through vehicle stops on all highways.

“It is classic road policing, not just traffic offences, but being inquisitive.”