A new Crimestoppers campaign is urging residents across County Durham and Darlington to report illegal nitrous oxide sales anonymously. The charity is raising awareness of the risks of the substance, also known as “laughing gas” or “NOS”, and is asking the public to share information about who is selling canisters illegally and where.
Campaign launch and legal context
The two-week campaign starts today and will reach people through Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Nitrous oxide has legitimate uses, including in medicine and catering, but supplying it when the seller knows, or is reckless as to whether, it will be inhaled to get high is illegal.
Recreational use differs from controlled medical use, where nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and used under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals. Recreational use does not have those clinical safeguards.
Health and safety risks
Using nitrous oxide can impair judgement, coordination and reactions, making driving dangerous and putting passengers and other road users at risk. It can cause dizziness and loss of consciousness.
Fleur Brown, North East Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Nitrous oxide is often seen as harmless fun, but it isn’t.
“People can lose consciousness, and regular use can cause serious and sometimes permanent nerve damage. It also puts others at risk, particularly if someone gets behind the wheel.
“If you have information about the illegal sale of nitrous oxide but feel unsure about coming forward, you can tell Crimestoppers what you know without giving your name. You will never be asked to give a statement or go to court. Even a small detail about who is selling it illegally, or where sales are taking place, could help build a clearer picture and help prevent harm.”
How to report anonymously
Information can be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers’ UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 or at Crimestoppers-uk.org at any time. Calls are never recorded, IP addresses are never traced and personal details are never requested.
