Vigilantes could target drug addicts (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Vigilantes could target drug addicts

DRUG addicts, who are responsible for the majority of crime in Cirencester, could be targeted by vigilantes.

The warning comes from a respectable local businessman who says residents are planning to exact their own revenge on persistent offenders.

The police have already mounted a major clampdown on drug-related crime in the town - with a great deal of success.

But the man, who has himself been a victim of crime, says lax sentences handed out by the courts are causing anger locally.

And he says information is already being compiled on certain "well-known local faces" by people determined to take matters into their own hands.

The man, who claims he has been targeted several times, said: "It's getting out of hand. Someone is going to get hurt shortly.

"These criminals won't confront you face to face but they'll come back and keep doing the same thing again and again. Nobody is safe.

"I know a man who has been done over by one of them and he is talking about taking some action. He's not someone you want to mess with either.

"People are being terrorised by about five to 10 people. But because they keep doing it, locals are starting to want revenge."

As revealed earlier this year, crime in Cirencester fell by nearly half when a handful of offenders were either remanded in custody or sentenced to prison terms.

Some are now back on the streets, while further offences have been committed by other known criminals.

One "familiar face" has gone on the run three times this year, only for the courts to allow him back into the community.

Despite residents' anger, police have vowed to catch those involved in the local drug trade and are warning people not to take action themselves.

Police spokesman Steve Partridge said: "Police in Cirencester can no way condone any form of vigilante action and would strongly advise anyone considering such a course not to do it.

"The guilt or innocence of suspects is a matter for the courts, as is the sentencing of those found guilty.

"It is not the constabulary's role to comment upon the judicial system but we appreciate that sometimes the victims of crime can feel frustrated by the outcome of a court case.

"However, vigilante action is not the answer and the police will seek to prosecute anyone who commits a criminal offence, whatever they feel their justification may be."

The police advise people keen to fight local crime to join a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme or the Special Constabulary.

Anyone with information on drug-related crime should contact Cirencester police on 0845 0901234 or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.