
Tackling Addiction. Reducing Crime. Transforming Lives
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster is proud to support the Offending 2 Recovery (O2R) programme with an annual investment of £100,000. This funding helps cover the running costs of an award-winning, pioneering initiative that provides vital support to individuals gripped by addiction and commit shop theft as a result – offering them a path to recovery and a life free from crime.
What is Offending 2 Recovery?
Offending 2 Recovery is a free, community-based programme that addresses the root causes of crime by supporting individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Originally launched in Birmingham in 2018, the programme has since expanded to Coventry, Dudley, Walsall, and Wolverhampton
How It Works
The programme is delivered by a dedicated team of addiction-trained police officers and specialist staff from local drug and alcohol services. Working in close partnership with:
- Retailers
- Probation services
- Local charities
- Housing associations
- Healthcare providers
- Colleges and training organisations
- Local police teams and custody police teams
O2R offers tailored support and treatment packages that match each individual’s needs and are delivered at a pace that suits them.
Why It Matters
Research shows that up to 70% of shop theft is committed by individuals addicted to substances like heroin and crack cocaine. By tackling addiction head-on, O2R helps reduce reoffending, protect communities, and save public money. In fact, rehabilitating just 20 individuals a year could prevent over £1 million in retail theft.
Commissioner’s Commitment
Simon Foster, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Offending 2 Recovery is a shining example of how we can effectively prevent and tackle crime by investing in prevention and rehabilitation—not just punishment. It continues to cut crime, build safer communities, and change and save lives. It’s a win-win.”
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and wants to break the cycle of addiction and shop theft, O2R is here to help. Contact the team via:
- Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website
- Call 101
- Email your local O2R team:
Birmingham: o2rbirmingham@westmidlands.police.uk
Coventry: o2rcoventry@westmidlands.police.uk
Dudley: o2rdudley@westmidlands.police.uk
Walsall: o2rwalsall@westmidlands.police.uk
Wolverhampton: o2rwolverhampton@westmidlands.police.uk