SEVERAL items of stolen goods were seized by Stawell Police during a series of raids on properties in Stawell and Great Western.
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Police and Crime Investigation Unit detectives executed the warrants as a result of a recent spate of thefts from properties, including motorcycles.
Warrants were executed at four separate addresses across Stawell and Great Western targeting stolen goods and illicit drugs.
During the raids, police located several items of stolen goods, cannabis and prescription medication.
Four offenders were processed, with one being charged with cultivating a narcotic, possession of cannabis and possession of stolen goods. He has been bailed to appear at the Stawell Magistrates Court at a later date.
The other three persons have been released pending summons.
Stawell Police have thrown their support behind a new Crime Stoppers initiative called Dob in a Dealer.
This initiative enables members of the public who may not feel comfortable attending or calling a police station, to provide information and voice their concerns either electronically or via telephone.
Alarmingly, there has also been an increase in the spread of drugs throughout towns in country Victoria.
The negative effects drugs can have - such as violence, paranoia and depression are have been well documented in the media and can ultimately break up families, ruin lives and create widespread social damage in our communities.
Crime Stoppers launched the Dob in a Dealer campaign focusing on rural and regional areas and is asking the community to report information on drug manufacture and distribution to bring awareness to the drug problem.
The Crime Stoppers Dob in a Dealer campaign is funded by the Victorian Government's Community Crime Prevention Program and run in collaboration with Victoria Police.
If you think you have information about someone in your community who is manufacturing or supplying drugs, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, report online or download the Crime Stoppers app for iPhone or Android.
Crime Stoppers is focused on gathering information to stop the supply and manufacture of drugs.
If you or someone you know is affected by drug use or addiction, please contact support services such as Family Drug Help on 1300 660 068 or Youth Support and Advocacy Service on 1800 041 446
According to Victoria Police statistics, drug related offences in Victoria have risen 12.3% from 2012 to 2013.
Since 1987 Crimes Stoppers has helped with information that has led to the seizing of more than $173 million worth of illegal drugs and stolen property.