A CRIME-FIGHTING charity has taken the next step in a campaign to clamp down on drug dealing gangs in Clacton.

Crimestoppers launched the project recently to help police.

Officers have been targeting gangs which arrive from London to deal Class A drugs.

The gangs use a technique called “cuckooing”, taking over a resident’s home and using drugs as bait to control them while they use the property as a base for dealing.

The Crimestoppers campaign is designed to encourage people to break their silence.

Last week, a series of postcards were delivered to Clacton homes, and now posters have been put up around the town. Targeted adverts are also appearing on Facebook.

People giving information anonymously that leads to arrests and successful prosecutions could get a reward of up to £1,000.

A spokesman from the charity said: “We are seeing a growing and worrying trend in Clacton.

“It is vital that the community helps police put a stop to it, but it is understandable that people are fearful of coming forward.

“Crimestoppers takes away that concern. People do not have to give their names or addresses and they don’t have to fear any repercussions.”

You can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or go to crimestoppers-uk.org