Community safety chiefs are putting out a "rat on a rat" message in a bid to put known dealers behind bars.

Residents can help put drug dealers behind bars by ringing Crimestoppers' free, anonymous hotline on (0800) 555111.

Coun Keith Cunliffe, council cabinet member and chair of the Wigan and Leigh Community Safety Partnership said: "Thousands of people all over the country have phoned Crimestoppers to 'rat on a rat' since the national campaign was launched five years ago – we'd like people here to do the same.

"Drug dealing at street level affects the quality of life for many local residents. We have seen how the abuse of drugs can bring misery
not only to the user, but also family, friends and the wider community.

"A large proportion of police time is taken up with domestic burglary, car crime and retail crime committed by drug users to fund their habit."

Divisional Police Chief Supt Lee Bruckshaw added: "We want to crack down on drug dealers and ensure that they are arrested and convicted, and ultimately ensure the drugs market is disrupted."

Look out for the following signs of drug dealing:

• High number of visitors to one property.


• Visitors stopping for short periods.


• Individuals approaching parked cars for short periods.


• Drug "litter" such as needles and syringes found close to a suspected location.


• Excessive noise or rowdy incidents near a suspected location.


• Crimestoppers needs the following information from callers:


• Names and descriptions of people involved.


• Suspected locations.


• Other useful information, for example car registration numbers.

Sue Arden from Crimestoppers said: "This campaign is all about reaching out to those who have information on the perpetrators of drug dealing, but who do not wish to be identified.

"We wish to encourage those people to call Crimestoppers on (0800) 555111, safe in the knowledge that nobody will ask for their name and their call be not be traced or recorded. They can make a real difference to their environment whilst remaining anonymous."