Adverts calling for the public to ‘make a statement’ against gun crime have been on buses and billboards in Luton this month.
The adverts contain the message ‘Bedfordshire Police is making a statement about gun crime – are you? If you want action, make your words count’.
The campaign is being supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner and Luton Borough Council as part of what the authorities call enforcement, reassurance and community cohesion activity in the town. It is designed to provoke people with information about incidents, where firearms or violence have been used, to put pen to paper and make a statement.
Chief Supet Mark Turner said: “Since the murder of Paul Foster in April Luton has witnessed an unusual and worrying increase in gun related and violent crime. Following numerous appeals the public have come forward with information, which has been extremely helpful, however we are now asking them to dig even deeper and take it to the next level by putting pen to paper.”
Some 35 people have been arrested for gun crime since March and enquiries continue into 10 incidents where firearms have been discharged, but turning those arrests into charges and convictions requires statements naming offenders.
Chief Supt Turner added: “One of our adverts asks Luton residents to ‘make their words count’. We understand that putting yourself forward causes concern but we want to reassure people. It might be as simple as a confidential conversation but if it is concerns for yourself or family then talk to us about it, we have measures we can put in place to address these fears and anxieties.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Olly Martins said: “The recent conviction of Kyle Beckford showed the value of the public passing on information. Without key pieces of evidence, that result may not have been possible. I understand that some people who have information may prefer not to get in contact, but I urge them to be brave and come forward to help the police put a stop to these crimes.
Leader of Luton Borough Council Hazel Simmons said: “As Friday’s call for peace event in the town centre demonstrated, the people of Luton are appalled and greatly saddened by recent unacceptable events. We appeal to anyone involved in or considering violence to think about how these crimes not only ruin lives but also reflect badly on the town that we know and love. We urge anybody with information about any crime to do the right thing and report it to the police.”
A £1000 reward is still on offer from Bedfordshire Police as well as an additional £1000 from Crimestoppers, to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction for gun crime.
