Crimestoppers (anonymously report crime & wildlife crime)
Crimestoppers is an independent charity (which also lets you report wildlife crime anonymously), that gives communities the power to stop crime, by anonymously reporting concerns (by phone or online, every day of the year).
Began as a Community Action Trust in 1988, it was founded for a way to people to come forward with information about the murder of PC Keith Blakelock, during the 1985 London riots. Police knew that some people knew who was responsible, but were too afraid to come forward.
Since that time, they have listenedd to millions of people (most reports are now online), with appeals having resulted in over 140,000 arrests.
Co-founder Lord Ashcroft is an interesting character. A former Conservative politician, he has signed up to The Giving Pledge (where the world’s wealthiest individuals pledge to give most of their wealth to good causes).
He is also passionate about wildlife. He campaigns against whale harpooning, captive breeding and trophy hunting (since the sad death of Cecil the lion, over 60 wild lions have been killed by British hunters). The ban has been delayed, by some peers in the House of Lords.
He also supports Veterans for Wildlife, which uses the skills of military personnel, to help stop wildlife crime.
Crimestoppers also run regular campaigns. Current ones include:
- Setting up Neighbourhood Watch Schemes
- Targeting retail crime, shoplifting and money laundering.
- Preventing irresponsible use of fireworks (near police forces)
- Stopping exploitation of vulnerable workers
- Preventing rural crime and illegal dumping of waste.
A Suite of Crime Prevention Advice
Crimestoppers website has a whole suite of good information on keeping safe, which is a good read for personal use, businesses, councils, schools and communities. It covers:
- Personal safety (domestic abuse, weapons crime, child neglect, sexual harassment and stalking, violence against sex workers, theft, hate crimes, mobile phone safety, identity theft and staying safe abroad.
- Home and property safety (preventing home burglaries and vehicle theft). Plus tips on online safety, fraud prevention, scams and fake bank notes.
- Rural crime – tip on preventing theft, arson, fly-tipping and wildlife crime (birds of prey, badger baiting, hare coarsing, harming bats and illegal poaching).
Crimestoppers is not the police. For emergencies, obviously call 999 (and don’t waste their time – some people even call this number to report not being able to complete a crossword puzzle answer?)
In 35 years, this charity’s guarantee of anonymity has never been broken. Yet it also offers rewards to some for giving information. Just ask for a reward code when you first speak to a call agent, or enter REWARD REQUEST in the online form. Then log back in 24 hours later, to get your reward code.
This can then be used to pick up cash rewards at designated banks, without need to show ID, using a secret password and pickup date.
England’s Longest Unsolved Murder
In 1997, a tragic murder took place when local girl Kate Bushell was walking her neighbour’s dog (Gemma was later found wandering the area, alerting police to her being missing). Her murder was similar to that of Lyn Bryant (also from Devon). And today neither murder has been solved.
It’s hoped that soon they will be, due to DNA. Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers (a £20,000 award remains in place).
