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Ex-Thief's Life Transformed by Support Scheme
24 Sep
Summary
- Former shoplifter stole up to £1,000 daily due to addiction.
- Rhys Davies credits the Offending 2 Recovery scheme for his turnaround.
- Scheme targets addiction, offers housing and rehabilitation plans.
A former shoplifter's battle with addiction and crime has been overcome through the Offending 2 Recovery initiative in the West Midlands. Rhys Davies from Dudley admitted to stealing up to £1,000 worth of goods each day to sustain a serious drug habit, describing his life as chaotic and solely revolving around his addiction.
Approached by a police officer, Davies was offered a place on the Offending 2 Recovery scheme. This intervention provided him with essential support for his substance abuse issues and access to safe housing. The program, which launched in Birmingham in 2018, aims to address the root causes of prolific offending, including addiction.
Now an advocate for the scheme, Davies hopes to contribute positively to society, a stark contrast to his past struggles. The initiative has expanded across Coventry, Dudley, Walsall, and Wolverhampton, currently supporting over 200 people, with plans to include Sandwell to cover the entire West Midlands Police area.
