Suspects face automatic drug test

An oral swab will be taken from suspects

People charged with theft, burglary and car-taking in Birmingham and Sandwell are to be automatically tested for drugs in a new £6.2m campaign.

From 1 April adult offenders will have to give a sample of saliva to be tested for heroin, cocaine and crack.

Those testing positive will be offered quick access to specialist treatment and help to stop their habit.

Police say one drug user can be responsible for more than 3,000 crimes a year to get money.

The scheme aims to break the cycle of "drugs-crime-prison" and will see police team up with probation, courts and prison services, as well as drug treatment agencies.

An offender's commitment to the programme will be taken into account by the courts during sentencing and all those testing positive will continually be encouraged to receive treatment.

The programme Out of Crime, Into Treatment is a major part of the government's national strategy to reduce drug-related crime.

It will enable us to enhance our existing programmes for offenders so we can sever the links between drugs and crime Chief Supt Bob Baxter

Chief Supt Bob Baxter said: "This is great news for Birmingham and Sandwell.

"It will enable us to enhance our existing programmes for offenders so we can sever the links between drugs and crime and to ensure there are fewer victims of crime."

David Skidmore, from the Birmingham Drug Action Team (DAT), said the extra funding would enable them to reduce the damage caused to communities by drug abuse.

West Midlands Police will use the £1.6m to recruit 50 assistants to carry out the drug testing and 15 extra referral workers.

Birmingham Drug Action Team (DAT) has been given £3.9m to expand its treatment services to deal with the 3,750 extra offenders expected to enter the scheme, 80 new staff will also be recruited.

The Home Office has also given Sandwell DAT £684,623.

Police say charges of theft, robbery, burglary, taking cars without consent, aggravated vehicle taking, obtaining property by deception, going equipped for crime, and the production, supply, possession, or possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, will result in automatic testing.