by Alan Quick

POLICE Sergeant Dave MacFadden, the Neighbourhood Team leader for Crediton and Cullompton, would like to warn parents and our communities about the recent evidence of young people using and inhaling Nitrous Oxide more commonly known as “Nos” Gas in the Crediton area.

Sgt MacFadden explained that acting on community intelligence, officers from the Crediton Neighbourhood Team visited a wooded area just off Common Marsh Lane, Crediton, which is locally known as the “CRASH” site.

When they arrived they saw a large pile of empty nitrous oxide canisters, bongs, shotgun cartridges and used condoms.

He explained that the evidence would suggest that the area is being used by young people seeking thrills.

He said: “This evidence is of great concern to me and, I would hope, towards any parents of young teenagers living the Crediton area.

“The threat, risk and harm towards young people and anyone inhaling Nos gas is very high.

“Nitrous Oxide can be habit-forming and addictive.

“In the worst case scenario it can result in death if it is inhaled in such a way that not enough oxygen is breathed in at the same time.

“While the pure gas is not toxic, its long-term use in large quantities has been associated with serious long-term health problems.

“Intoxication from Nos gas can cause the user to be vulnerable to injury from falls and physical abuse as they can be totally incapacitated for a short period of time from the effects.”

He added: “There is a large tree at the site with a plank of wood approximately 20 feet up in the tree, which suggests that it is being used as ‘lookout’ post.

“It doesn’t take much to imagine what would happen if someone under the influence of the gas was to climb up the tree and then accidentally fall from that height.

“I don’t want to be sending one of my officers round to a parents house to tell them that their son or daughter is now seriously injured in hospital or even worse.

“We also have the threat of injury that can be caused by those using shotgun cartridges to either smoke in bongs or use in a fire pit.

“There is also the potential of sexual assaults or activity taking place, which could be happening with or without consent.”

Sgt MacFadden said that all these scenario’s can be prevented in the future by “making sure we work together as one community”.

He said his officers would be visiting this site and any others that come to police attention over the next few weeks to put a stop to these gatherings; visiting the local shops in Crediton High Street to warn them of this latest craze and asking them to contact the police if anybody is buying large quantities of the gas; visiting and working with the local schools around education and the risks involved in substance abuse; and continue to get the message out via different media forums.

Sgt MacFadden said that part of the education is to make sure parents and those using Nos gas know that it is an offence to supply this gas to anyone for the purposes of inhalation without them being a registered pharmacist.

He added: “I will make sure we take positive action against anyone we find or suspect is supplying this gas to anyone for the purposes of inhalation.

“If we find anyone under 18 years-of-age in possession or under the influence of the gas, we will be taking them back home to meet their parents and complete a referral to Social Services and the health agencies.”

He continued: “I would ask our communities to report any evidence or suspicious behaviour involving this substance abuse to us so we can act on it immediately.

“I would ask parents to find out where their sons or daughters are going when they go out in the evenings and then physically check that they are where they say they are.

“By working together we can put a stop to this and reduce the threat, risk and harm to young vulnerable people.”

During the evening of Saturday, September 26, Crediton Police Officers attended Newcombes Meadow Park, where they located and searched a group of 10 youths.

A quantity of alcohol and Nitrous Oxide canisters were seized and a young local youth was taken home.

The officers believed these people and items were on the way to the “CRASH” site.

Sgt MacFadden said: “The proactive work carried out by the officers helped to prevent further offences and harm being committed.”

He concluded: “Please be vigilant and report any information to us at: [email protected] or: [email protected] or telephone 101 (non emergency), 999 in an emergency, or anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.”

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