Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard spoke to students from Barnfield College at the youth-led event aimed to address drug misuse in Luton.

The conference was led by Ansar Ventures and the Rise Up Foundation.

Students, community members and councillors heard about the Luton 2040 vision for a safer Luton, as well as from young leaders about the realities of drug misuse and its effect on the town.

Mr Tizard was invited to speak about on the impact of drugs on young people and what policing strategies are in place.

John said: “I was privileged to speak to young people at Barnfield College alongside partners from Luton Council.

“It was great to see how these initiatives can educate, empower, and engage both young people and the broader community about the realities of drug misuse and its impact on Luton.

“Drugs are a problem that underpins nearly all crime.

“The drug market has an enormous influence on the crime profile of our county, from serious and organised crime to knife crime and even shoplifting and domestic abuse.

“I talked about the importance of a partnership public health approach to drug crime to address all factors including addiction, exploitation of young people and supply. We need better substance abuse services and counselling services.

John also shared details of his Police and Crime plan which outlines his priorities for drug use relating to serious violence.

He continued: “Tackling serious crime is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan.

“I am committed to working with the police service to prevent serious crime as well as through the work of the Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit, to deliver activities that involve young people in topics related to violence and exploitation”.

Chief Inspector Adrian Cunningham said: “It was a real pleasure to be invited to such an inspirational event.

“The awareness and impact of drugs is felt throughout the community and to have such an event organised by a group of young adults was a pleasure to take part in.  The combined partnership approach of all parties including the police, local authorities, charities and the community is the foundation in tackling this problem”.

The programme included youth-led survey findings, personal stories, panel discussions, and actionable pledges to combat drug misuse.

Youth participant Hisham Sadiq, aged 14, said, “The Ansar Ventures programme has really helped boost my confidence, and I have learnt so much about the substance misuse challenge.

“Listening to the Police and Crime Commissioner, John Tizard, was very beneficial because he shared real insights into how drugs are affecting our town and the strategies being implemented to tackle this issue. His dedication to making Luton safer inspired me and my peers to take an active role in creating positive change in our community.”

To report a drug-related crime or any crime, contact the police via 101 or use the online reporting tool.  In emergencies always call 999.