You can be a crime stopper without revealing your identity – that’s the message from independent charity Crimestoppers as they launch a week of activity encouraging people to report criminal activity on their anonymous crime hotline, 0800 555 111.
Crimestoppers week is taking place in Gloucestershire from September 18 to 25 and is aimed at encouraging local people who may be aware of criminal activity to call Crimestoppers, at any time from anywhere in the country, on 0800 555 111. Using this number they can report what they know, safe in the knowledge that they will remain anonymous. They will never be asked their name, their calls will not be traced and they will not have to make a statement or go to court.
Paul Menhinick, Gloucestershire’s Crimestoppers Coordinator, said: “A call to Crimestoppers can make a real difference. This year information passed to us has led to 25 criminals being arrested and charged, with offences ranging from burglary, theft and assault to drink driving.
“During the campaign we will be emphasising that cash rewards are payable where the information given results in an arrest and charge. Rewards are paid by Crimestoppers without the caller ever having to reveal their identity.’’
Chairman of Gloucestershire Crimestoppers, Jonathan Carr, added: “Information from the public has always played an important role in helping the police to solve crime. Crimestoppers facilitates this and we are proud to be playing our part in helping to make Gloucestershire a safer place to live.’’
While Gloucestershire is a very safe place to live and crime numbers continue to fall, crimes that are typically reported to Gloucestershire Crimestoppers by local people include: drink driving, drug dealing, burglary, assault and criminal damage. Throughout the week Gloucestershire Crimestoppers will highlight how the community can help reduce such crimes.
Chief Superintendent for Local Policing, Nigel Avron, said: “Gloucestershire Crimestoppers is a powerful deterrent to criminal activity. The fact that anyone, even those closest to criminals such as a family member, friend or work colleague can report on crime without risk is a very effective tool in fighting crime. It is good to know that Crimestoppers is there for people who want to report on criminality but, for whatever reason, wish to remain anonymous.’’
