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Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has urged the public to report sightings of discarded nitrous oxide canisters in a bid to help authorities identify where young people are taking the drug and increase patrols in these areas.
The PCC, who successfully lobbied the Government over a ban on nitrous oxide, is reminding young people and their parents and carers over the risks of taking nitrous oxide. She is also signposting people to help resources to raise awareness of the dangers and impact on health of the drug.
Commissioner Allen said: “The prevalence of nitrous oxide on the streets is an issue for every county in the country and it is imperative parents and carers familiarise themselves with the risks to help deter and protect their children from engaging in the use of this drug.
“There is worrying evidence of young people consuming nitrous oxide and then driving which could and has had fatal consequences. Across the country, we are seeing increased reports of nitrous oxide being a factor in a number of serious collisions.
“The health effects are especially dangerous when nitrous oxide is inhaled alongside taking alcohol, which can lead to increased health risks and more recently it has been linked to the cause of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. We are working closely with partners to address these issues and reduce anti-social behaviour in relation to nitrous oxide. If you are aware of an area in which young people are frequently taking this drug, please alert us to enable us to upscale the proactive work taking place to keep our communities and young people safe.”
Cllr John Shuttleworth, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for community safety, said: “Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, is a dangerous substance that can cause serious health issues for the person using it. It also has an adverse effect on the community, resulting in anti-social behaviour and, as we have seen in some cases, the cause of serious road accidents.
“We are encouraging the community in County Durham to report any concerns of nitrous oxide use to us so that we can investigate and work with anyone who has been involved. We’re also encouraging parents and carers to engage with their children about the dangers of nitrous oxide use.”
Councillor Amanda Riley, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, added: “Nitrous Oxide is harmful to individuals and our communities. It is linked to an increase in antisocial behaviour and has real health risks. We need the support of our residents to tackle this growing issue, so I really welcome this intervention from our PCC.”
Nitrous oxide is more dangerous when it is inhaled directly from the canister and can cause freeze burns to the hand. Too much of the substance can cause fainting, loss of consciousness or suffocation. It can also deplete the body of Vitamin B12, causing anxiety issues and life-changing nerve damage and can led to paralysis.
The canisters can be seen in the images below.
If you think you may have seen evidence of use of nitrous oxide in the community, report it by contacting:
Needles, syringes and drugs equipment - Durham County Council
Darlington BC - Fly tipping and needles Darlington
streetscene@darlington.gov.uk or on 01325 405111
For more information and advice on nitrous oxide:
County Durham: 03000 266 666
Contact – County Durham Drug and Alcohol Recovery (codurhamdrugalcoholrecovery.co.uk)
Darlington Drug and Alcohol Service ‘We are With You’.
Darlington: 01325 809 810
The Young person's service - Switch
SWITCH - Substance Misuse Team – Darlington
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