End of year statistics released by the crime-reporting line charity Crimestoppers have shown that nearly 450 pieces of information were passed to police between April 2011 and March 2012 in Suffolk – just over 180 more calls compared to this time last year. Various campaigns have been launched in the county over the last year to help bring wanted criminals to justice, with local volunteers playing an integral role in engaging with local communities and finding out which crimes are affecting them.
Suffolk Crimestoppers this year have launched a burglary campaign with batman in Lowestoft and have done numerous Fearless events in local schools to promote the Crimestoppers youth brand. They have also offered several rewards, including a reward of up to £3,000 for information about an Ipswich armed robbery. Ann Scott, Eastern Regional Manager, said: “I’m delighted with the amount of calls received this year. Suffolk is one of the safest counties in the UK but unfortunately crime does still occur. This increase in calls clearly shows that the people of Suffolk trust the charity Crimestoppers and want to make a difference in their community. We are currently looking to significantly expand the Crimestoppers volunteer committee and in particular recruit those with fundraising, marketing and events organisation skills.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Crimestoppers, please fill out our volunteer enquiry form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/volunteer.”
She added: “With your help, you can bring even more criminals to justice next year by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through our secure online form at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org. We never ask for your name or take any personal details. We don’t trace calls or IP address and don’t record calls. Those giving information don’t have to give a statement to Police or go to court. In the 24 years that we have been running Crimestoppers have never revealed anyone’s identity.”
Suffolk Detective Superintendent Stuart Sedgwick added: “Crimestoppers provides a valuable service, allowing members of the public to pass on information without them having to speak to police or their details being disclosed. Community intelligence can be key to making the county even safer, and whilst you can speak to your local Safer Neighbourhood Team about any issues or crimes in your area, you can also give details to Crimestoppers who can help police identify suspects without identifying you.”
Across the UK, information passed onto the police by Crimestoppers increased by almost five per cent. In Surrey meanwhile, the Crimestoppers year end statistics show that 1121 pieces of information were passed from the charity to Surrey Police between April 2011 and March 2012 an increase of 22 per cent on last year. Various campaigns such as “Cash in your pocket” targeted at information about burglary, Most Wanted and recently “Rat on a Rat” have been launched in the county to help bring criminals to justice. With the charity celebrating its 25th anniversary next year, these statistics represent a continuing awareness and trust of Crimestoppers as both a charity, and an organisation that aids the fight against crime.
Surrey Crimestoppers Volunteer Chairman, Tim Prideaux JP, DL said: “We continue to work hard in Surrey to ensure that the area is an even safer place for people to live in and criminals are brought to justice. With your help, you can bring even more criminals to justice next year by contacting Crimestoppers without revealing your identity on 0800 555 111 or through our secure online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
Surrey Police Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Kirkby said: “The Crimestoppers anonymous reporting system continues to be a valuable tool in the fight against crime. Keeping our communities safe is a responsibility we all share and I would encourage everyone to play their part. Passing information to the police, either directly or via Crimestoppers, could prevent criminal activity or help to catch offenders.”
