Drug use is a criminal offence and is the responsibility of the police. If you're concerned about drug use or related behaviour in your community, it's important you report it as soon as possible.
To report drug-related issues to the police, you can:
If the police take any action, they will give you a log number. Please share this with us so we can work with the police, support you, and take any necessary steps to address the behaviour of the individual involved.
To share this information with us, please use our ‘Contact Us’ webform or email us at communitysafety@alliancehomes.org.uk.
While drugs and drug-related behaviour is the responsibility of the police, we will work with them to support you and address the behaviour of our customers.
Cannabis
Cannabis is Class B drug, it can be smoked, vaped, or consumed in various forms. The recreational use of cannabis is illegal and should be reported to the police. In some cases, cannabis may be prescribed for specific medical conditions by specialist doctors.
We understand that the smell of cannabis can impact daily life. The smell can make it unpleasant to open windows or enjoy outdoor spaces. This can become a nuisance and may be particularly distressing for families or people with health conditions.
You should always report cannabis use to the police, especially if:
- The smell is persistent
- You suspect illegal activity, such as growing or dealing cannabis
- Other anti-social behaviour is occurring alongside it.
To support your report, we recommend keeping a diary with the frequency and impact of the incidents. You can download our ‘Diary Sheet’. This can help evidence the persistent nature of the issue.
When you report it to the police, please also report it to us. We will work with the police to address the behaviour.
What we will do
When we receive reports of cannabis use, we will contact you and the individual reported and discuss the concerns raised.
If the report relates to a block of flats and the source is unclear, we will send a letter to all residents with relevant information and advice.
Cannabis use is a criminal offence and only the police have the authority to take enforcement action. However, depending on the outcome of a police investigation, we may be able to explore further action.
Drug dealing
If you're concerned about drug dealing, you should report it to the police right away. Please let us know the log number, and the name of the officer you spoke to by emailing communitysafety@alliancehomes.org.uk or completing our 'Contact us' webform.
Cuckooing
Drug-related cuckooing is when drug dealers take over someone’s home, often targeting people who are vulnerable and unable to stop them. This can put the person at serious risk of harm and also affect the wider community.
How to spot cuckooing
Here are some commons signs that might suggest cuckooing is happening:
- unfamiliar people coming and going at different times of the day and night
- an increase of visitors
- changes in the behaviour or appearance of the resident
- the resident seeming anxious or afraid
- signs of neglect at the property, such as damage or poor upkeep.
County lines
County lines is where illegal drugs are transported from one area to another, across county and local authority areas, and often exploits children and vulnerable people.
County lines is a serious problem. If you have any concerns, please report it to the police by calling 101, or in an emergency 999.
If you wish to report your concerns anonymously, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you are a young person, worried about your involvement, or a friends involvement speak to a trusted adult or call Childline on 0800 1111.