Essex trials anti-drug spray
Essex Police has become the latest force to begin trialling an anti-drug spray as part of a scheme to tackle anti-social behaviour throughout the county.
The clear substance us used to coat surfaces typically used for recretational drug taking, such as those in bathrooms. It contains a powerful bittering agent which reacts with any powdered substance and leaves the user with a foul taste which can last several hours.
The initiative has been launched and funded by the Braintree District Community Safety Partnership, and is the first of its kind in Essex.
Police Constable Caroline Marsay, who has led the initiative, said: “The vast majority of visitors to pubs, bars and venues do so sensibly and safely to enjoy their free time with friends and family.
“Unfortunately, there are still a small number of people who choose to take recreational drugs while visiting these premises, which not only poses a real danger to themselves, but has a significant impact on the wider community.
“It makes people feel unsafe, can lead to violence and ultimately funds organised crime. We’re always considering new tools and initiatives we can employ to keep you safe and I’m extremely proud to have been part of this step forward to deter drug taking in our communities.”
Councillor Frankie Ricci, Cabinet Member for Communities at Braintree District Council and Chair of the Braintree District Community Safety Partnership, said: “Our aim is to make the Braintree district an even safer place to live, work and visit so we are delighted to support Essex Police with the funding for this latest product to help reduce crime and drug use in Braintree and Witham town centres. We know that this product has significantly reduced drug-taking within premises in other areas across the country, so we hope that it has the same positive impact in our communities.”
The Blok It anti-drug deterrent spray is already in use by Durham Constabulary and venues across the country.
