The crime-reporting line, the charity Crimestoppers, is working with Post Office Limited against crimes against branches in South London. The two have launched ‘Stamping Out Crime’ – a campaign which aims to keep Post Offices safe for staff and the community. The pilot launched in Southwark, Wandsworth and Lambeth, on November 4, at the Borough High Street Post Office branch in London Bridge.
In November posters, leaflets and social media will encourage the public to keep an eye out for crime and share information about any offences against their local branch. Crimestoppers is also offering a reward of up to £25,000 for information about crimes against the Post Office (in branch) that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. The new campaign follows launches in Manchester and Liverpool earlier this year, which saw an increase in the number of pieces of information shared about crimes against Post Office branches and a reduction in offences.
Regan Hook, Crimestoppers Regional Manager for London, said: “This campaign has been a big success in other parts of the UK and we believe it will be equally as effective in London. Working with the Post Office Limited and with the help of the public we hope that we can ensure branches remain a safe environment for staff and customers. We want communities to be safer so people no longer have to live with the fear of crime.
“If you have information about crimes against the Post Office we urge you to contact us anonymously through our 0800 555 111 phone line or anonymous online form. We do not take personal details and cannot trace calls or information given online. Tell us what you know, not who you are.”
Senior Security Manager for the Post Office, Rob King said: “Following the success of our recent campaigns in Manchester and Liverpool, we are excited to once again be working in partnership with Crimestoppers to prevent crime in London local boroughs. The Post Office is responsible for providing products and services right at the very heart of the community and it is vital that our customers can rely on these services to be maintained. We have a duty to keep customers and staff safe so are pleased to be part of a partnership to produce an effective crime prevention campaign.”
And Detective Superintendent Garry Kelly, from Southwark police station, added: “Crimestoppers is a fantastic way for the public to pass on information about crime or criminals anonymously.
“Any initiative that encourages the public to become more involved in tackling crime has got to be a good thing. The information that is given to Crimestoppers through this campaign will help us to better target criminals and thieves operating in the area and make south London even safer. Any member of the public can also approach any police officers or members of police staff directly with information as well.”
If you have any information on crime committed against The Post Office in the three boroughs, or any surrounding area, contact Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through the anonymous online form. Rewards are only payable to information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for crimes against the Post Office passed through the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 phone line.
