A scheme to reduce crime by tackling problem gambling which was funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, has been highlighted in a national report.

The two-year pilot by GamCare, a gambling support charity, looked at how interventions at key points in the criminal justice system could steer addicts away from committing crimes.

They worked with 16 key organisation partners, such as the Probation Service, BeNCH CRC, Hertfordshire Constabulary and HM Prision Service to train over 500 frontline staff. Work was also undertaken with offenders.

Commissioner David Lloyd said: For some people gambling harm can be as much a driver of crime as drugs. I supported this project to reduce the impact on the police and criminal justice system for individual offenders, victims and their families.

"By working with offenders and partner agencies we can steer people away from committing crime in our communities."

The APCC's 'Tackling Addictions In Focus' report shows how PCCs are doing this across England and Wales.

The Rt Hon Chris Philp MP, UK Government Combating Drugs Minister said:

"This guide is very welcome – showcasing some of the excellent, joined-up work being led by PCCs across the country. I hope to see the continuing positive impact of these initiatives, and their further expansion.

"I am grateful to all PCCs for all the hard work they and partners have been putting in to make the drugs strategy a success. I look forward to continuing to work with you all to address illicit drug use and make our communities safer and healthier."