DRUG-related crimes in North Lincolnshire are higher than government targets according to a Home Office report.

A report on drug-misusing offenders found crimes committed by Class A drug users in North Lincolnshire were 20 per cent above government targets, with 181 crimes being committed by the sample of 71 known users.

The figures come despite programmes such as North Lincolnshire's Drug Intervention Programme (DIP), and a partnership between Humberside Probation Trust and JobCentre Plus being put in place to cut down on drug-related crime.

Chief Superintendent Pete Simmonds said: "Drug taking by offenders is well known to be one of key determinants that causes such individuals to commit crime, particularly theft and theft related offences. Drug dealing is one of the issues that can also blight local communities.

"That is why in North Lincolnshire the police response is to target those individuals that are of most concern and causing the most harm to local communities through their drug offending behaviour.

Kate Munson, director of probation for Humberside Probation Trust, said: "All agencies and partnerships involved with drug misusing offenders are committed to reducing re-offending and identifying any gaps in provision.

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