A MAN who stabbed himself in the neck with his own glasses frames, while on the drug ice, was just one example of why police are targeting Albury during a statewide campaign.
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The 50-year-old was demanding a woman’s car keys at a service station early last month when he was approached by police.
He then proceeded to pierce his neck while asking police to shoot him before he was arrested and charged.
Albury, along with Dubbo, Orange, Goulburn and Moree are among seven regional centres where the Ice Reporting Campaign will be concentrated.
Amphetamine trafficking offences in Albury increased from 167 in 2013 to 256 last year, according to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.
There was also a 66 per cent rise from 2013 to 2014 in cases of people using or possessing amphetamine.
Eighty people were arrested for using or possessing the drug last year.
That number was just 10 in 2010.
The community is being asked to report any suspicious activity to help disrupt the supply of the drug.
CLICK HERE for Fairfax's dedicated community campaign to break the ice epidemic that has hit regional Australia.
Things to look out for include quick and constant visitors who may arrive at a place at particular times.
People should also speak out if they spot objects like ice pipes or notice sudden changes in someone’s behaviour.
Albury Inspector David Cottee said two people in Albury were charged in a single week last month with more than 50 offences relating to the supply of ice.
Earlier in the year, a group of teenagers who went on a crime spree involving homes, cars and a crash turned themselves in after realising they were a danger to themselves and the community.
“We are finding more violent behaviour in the community so this intelligence is extremely important,” Insp Cottee said.
“We can only be as good as the information we get.
“In Sydney in 2012 from a single call to Crime Stoppers, a crime squad seized half a tonne of ice, that’s half a tonne that doesn’t make it to our community.”
The campaign is similar to one run in Victoria in March both with the aim of cutting off the supply of the drug.
Crime Stoppers received a 133 per cent rise in reports in the first two weeks when it ran in Wodonga.
Superintendent Beth Stirton at Albury Police said officers across the state are working together to combat the “ice scourge”.
“Far too many families in Albury are having to deal with the unrelenting havoc this horrible drug wreaks,” Supt Stirton said.
“Dozens of people in Albury are doing their bit to help police get ice and other drugs out of our community, and we’re encouraging more people to join the fight.
“Please do not underestimate the immensely positive impact one anonymous call to Crime Stoppers can make.”
Information can be reported to Albury Police on 6023 9299 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
