CRIMESTOPPERS Victoria recorded a 300 per cent increase in reports of illicit drug activity from residents in Bendigo and surrounding areas following a two-week campaign.
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Dob in Dealer, launched on November 24, called on the help of the public to stem the impact of illegal drugs - with the focus on methamphetamines.
Residents in Bendigo and Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Mount Alexander, Loddon and Mount Macedon shires were encouraged to report any information related to the trafficking or manufacturing of ice.
The campaign has provided new lines of enquiry for investigation, police say.
Victoria Police Superintendent Mick West said the community had responded positively to the campaign, with a "significant" number of calls recorded.
He said the results showed the public was concerned about illegal drugs in the community and was willing to be proactive in addressing the issue and assisting police.
"Hundreds of calls we have had, which is a large number. When you think of the 300 per cent increase that is indicative of the support the public has contributed during this campaign," Superintendent West said.
Information from the community leads to arrests and real results when it comes to breaking the cycle of crime.
- Samantha Hunter
Superintendent West was not able to specify which shires recorded the highest percentage of calls but said the issue was prevalent across the region.
"We do know that right across rural Victoria we have issues in relation to ice and other drugs," he said.
"It doesn't just affect one part of our community.
"Certainly, we have a bigger population in Bendigo but likewise if you are a parent of someone that is caught in the grip of ice addiction and you are out in our small areas it has the same impact."
Overall drug information reporting across the state nearly doubled during the campaign, with an increase of 96 per cent compared with previous weeks.
CrimeStoppers chief executive Samantha Hunter said the figures highlighted the crucial role the community played in the fight against crime.
"Information from the community leads to arrests and real results when it comes to breaking the cycle of crime," she said.
The campaign will be rolled out in other areas across regional Victoria during the next 12 months.
Ms Hunter encouraged the community to continue reporting crime to relevant authorities and said information would be kept confidential.
To report a crime to Crime Stoppers contact 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
