POLICE hope to stamp out illegal drug use in Wyre Forest with a new tactic in the war against the crime.

New intelligence-led policing is already reaping huge successes for West Mercia Police in the district and police are warning pushers - we're coming for you.

The new drive against drugs is part of Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership's three-pronged attack which looks at educating youngsters, treating users and punishing dealers.

PC Adrian Hewitt, of Kidderminster Police, said he was optimistic people would see the results of the drive within the next few years as the message begins to filter through.

He said: "We have had a number of recent successes with prosecutions and we will continue to come down on dealers in the district.

"They face a jail sentence for this crime so the deterrent is obvious.

"Our intelligence on local dealers is the best it has ever been and we will continue to restrict the availability of drugs.

"However, the enforcement tactic is just one angle we are looking at. The real key to stifling drug use is education."

Police, the youth service and doctors have come together in the fight against drugs.

The community safety partnership, which includes bodies such as Wyre Forest Primary Health Care, Kidderminster Youth Service and Wyre Forest District Council, is taking the anti-drugs message into schools to stamp out the problem before it begins.

The price for a bag of heroin - now officially a problem drug for the district - is under £10 and youngsters can now fund a habit with a Saturday job.

Children as young as 12 have been caught using heroin while dealers have also recently been spotted around school gates.

However, police believe they can turn drug use into a social no-no as quickly as the change in youngsters' attitude towards drink-driving.

PC Hewitt said: "It's amazing how strong the feeling is against drink-driving among the young people of today.

"That has been a successful education campaign and we want a similar response from our drugs message."

However, part of the drive is to treat existing users and give them a chance to rebuild their lives.

"Treatment of users has to be a big part of tackling drugs," said PC Hewitt.

He added: "For too long these people have not been given a chance and the problem just goes on and on.

"More and more crime today is drug related - people steal to fund their habit.

"If we can treat people and get them off drugs you are actually investing in the future because you are cutting down crime."