The award-winning Offending 2 Recovery programme, a pioneering initiative that has transformed lives and reduced crime in Birmingham since 2018, has now officially expanded into Coventry, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Launched by West Midlands Police in Erdington, O2R was developed in response to research, revealing that chronic addiction to drugs drives as much as 50% of all acquisitive crime. In addition, it is estimated that 70% of shop theft is committed by individuals struggling with addiction to heroin and crack cocaine.
The programme offers a free, tailored support service, that helps people break the cycle of addiction and crime, giving them a fresh start in life.
Funded by local authorities, businesses, and the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster – who invests £100,000 annually – the programme has already helped many people, struggling with addiction, to turn their lives around.
“O2R is a shining example of how we can effectively prevent and tackle crime, by investing in prevention and rehabilitation and not only punishment,” outlined West Midlands PCC Simon Foster.
“This programme is based on the deceptively simple premise, that if we address the underlying cause of a person’s offending, they are very likely to stop offending. It continues to cut crime, build safer communities and change and save lives. It is a win-win. I’m pleased to support its expansion across the region.”
The O2R team includes addiction-trained police officers and specialist staff from local drug and alcohol services. They work closely with retailers, probation services, charities, housing associations, healthcare providers, colleges and other support agencies, to deliver personalised, localised care at a pace suited to each individual.
Gary Chapman, O2R manager at West Midlands Police, said: “The expansion of O2R beyond Birmingham is a major milestone. We’re already seeing incredible results in Coventry, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton. This programme is about hope, recovery and real change.”
The programme’s impact is not only personal but economic. Data suggests if O2R successfully rehabilitates just 20 offenders a year, it could prevent up to £1.14 million worth of goods being stolen from shops in the first year alone – and up to £2.2 million in the second year.
One such success story is Phil Brown, 33, who became addicted to heroin and crack cocaine two years ago.
Homeless and stealing up to £300 worth of goods daily to feed his Class A habit, Phil was sleeping rough behind a Lidl store in Coventry. Today, thanks to O2R, he is nearly three months clean, living in a safe home, and participating in therapy and fitness programmes.
“O2R saved my life, there’s no question about it,” Phil said. “If it wasn’t for Joy at West Midlands Police and my support worker Katie at Change Grow Live, I wouldn’t be here. This is the best I’ve felt. It’s changed my life.”
Keeley Knowles, once one of Birmingham’s most prolific shoplifters having stolen millions of pounds worth of goods, is now 18 months clean after a 29-year heroin addiction. Keeley, who first injected at the age of 13, credits O2R with helping her reconnect with her family and rebuild her life.
“O2R doesn’t just help people recover – it gives them their lives back,” she said. “I’ve met nieces and nephews I didn’t even know existed. This programme saves lives. It saved mine.”
Given its proven success in the West Midlands, the O2R model has now also been adopted by Nottinghamshire Police, marking a significant step forward in tackling addiction-driven crime across the UK.
For more about the O2R programme and to contact the teams, click here
Back to News Archive