Drug related crime is not a new topic of concern. In fact, every year large percentages of the United States prison population are incarcerated for drug related crimes.
In fact, if you were to inspect closely the crimes that have occurred recently in your local community, the likelihood of drug involvement is high. Whether you live in New York or Oklahoma, the effects of street and prescription drug abuse are everywhere. Law enforcement across the country now report evidence of prescription drugs causing property crime increase as well as heightened violence and theft.
New Drugs And New Problems
The advent of more and more drugs has changed the way individuals and communities alike are affected by substance abuse. Prescription drugs especially are a different kind of animal than street substances, yet in many cases are legally obtained from a healthcare provider.
The crime problem presented by abuse of prescription substances manifests differently than a heroin or meth addiction. Prescription addiction takes place right under our noses, every single day. The most unsuspecting individuals end up addicted to medications like Hydrocodone and Adderall that, after a while, can be hard to obtain due to their cost.
Reports of prescription drug abuse-driven crime across America have grown to be more and more unconventional. One report out of Maryland states that two addicts in their 30s dressed as cable company employees entered abandoned homes and stole expensive items with the intent to re-sell. Further instances of burglary manifested when a man went door-to-door to see if homes were empty and if a resident was home, the man pretended to be looking for his dog. If the home was indeed empty, the man looted the home for valuables and prescription pills.
Local Maryland Law Enforcement Takes a Stand
Even with the growing problems, some states are not laying down. In fact, in an effort to fight back against the prescription drug abuse epidemic, Maryland’s local police departments have instigated meetings to encourage community-wide involvement in prevention. By educating the general public on signs of drug abuse, red flags to watch out for, etc., all members of the community are given a chance to do their part.
Maryland’s Charles County Sheriff, Rex Coffey, has been telling residents to keep their eyes open for behavior that, at first glance, seems harmless but could be suspicious. Coffey also encourages individuals to be a “nosy neighbor” and watch out for some of the following signs of substance abuse in your neighborhood:
a) Dilapidation of home/landscaping; drug abusers and alcohols tend to be
careless of outward appearance.
b) Break-ins of cars and homes; cases of petty theft.
c) Activity at odd hours of the night—chemical dependency can alter an
addict’s sleep schedule immensely.
d) Obvious suspicious activity such as lurking or unusual neighborhood
visits.
Neighborhood Watch Starts With You
Some suspicious activity may be harder to spot than others. If you are at all worried about anything going on in your neighborhood, do not hesitate to contact the non-emergency police line for assistance.
Sheriff Coffey says there were nearly 800 reported burglaries in Charles County in 2011, an increase for the second year in a row. With prescription drugs causing property crime to increase, it is important to be alert to what is going on around you.
If you see someone or something suspicious report it to the local authorities. Know the signs of prescription abuse and when someone is “high” on these drugs. If you have a loved one with a problem, get them help through enrollment in a rehabilitation program.
Educate kids through Narconon videos to prevent new users.
Contact us for more information.