Report shows drug involvement in 50% of serious crimes in West Midlands. Increased treatment aims at reducing harm.
He praised the work to fight substance abuse, noting that partners worked together to reduce crime. In Birmingham, 8,490 people got drug treatment in 2023/24, compared to 8,177 the year before. 3,542 people used these services for the first time.
Coventry saw 2,025 people get help, Dudley had 1,777, and Sandwell had 2,095. Solihull helped 1,177 people with treatment, while Walsall treated 1,785, and Wolverhampton helped 1,899. All saw increases from the year before.
Mr. Foster said drugs link to half of homicides. Crimes involving stolen goods also connect to drug use. Reducing drug misuse can lower crime rates and makes communities safer overall.
He stated police alone cannot solve the drug problem and supports working with many partners. This whole-system approach should cut drug crime, and he wants to reduce any resulting harm.
A united system is crucial for success, made easier by the government’s drug strategy. Partnerships across the country are steering progress, with Mr. Foster chairing the West Midlands partnership. This group fights drugs and alcohol issues.
He represents the partnership on a national level and supports progress in achieving national goals. The partnership has done much to improve the response, which covers enforcement, treatment, and prevention. They address the harms drugs cause.
The partnership increased treatment numbers in the region in 2023-2024, over the prior year. They reached and engaged those whose needs went unmet, particularly people who had trouble accessing previous treatment.