Crimestoppers has launched Fearless, the new brand that introduces young people to the service provided by the charity.

The Fearless launch event was held at the Ministry of Sound nightclub in London on 14 April 2010. It included performances by young people and the grime artist, Doctor. Barry and Margaret Mizen, who lost their son Jimmy to violent crime in May 2008, also gave a speech.

One aspect of the Fearless brand is the website, fearless.org, where young people can get information about crimes that affect them. The Fearless website also gives young people the opportunity to pass on information about crime anonymously.

Young people are important

Matt Wilk, Head of Youth at Crimestoppers said: “Young people are one of the most important audiences for Crimestoppers to communicate with, but they haven’t always understood or been willing to interact with the charity. One of the key reasons for re-launching Crimestoppers for young people is to empower them to be Fearless in passing on information about crime anonymously, safe in the knowledge that their identity will never be revealed and they will never have to speak to the police.

“We want to reassure young people that information they give us about crimes is taken seriously; everyday 21 people are arrested and charged as a result of information given to Crimestoppers which proves our service is effective in fighting crime. It’s vital that everyone realises that they can play an important role in helping make their communities better places to live.”

A vital service

Barry Mizen said: “I can’t emphasise enough how vital a service such as Fearless is. Young people can be worried about reporting crime to the police for fear of being found out, so it’s great that there is another way for them to pass on information about crime anonymously so no one will ever find out who they are. As a parent, I would urge other parents and those who work with young people to let them know about Fearless in case they hold information about crime and need somewhere safe to pass it on.”

MC Doctor said: “I grew up on an estate in South East London, where there was some gun and knife crime so I know how bad it is. I was lucky because I was focussed on my music and I knew that’s what I wanted to do. But so many young people have died because of crime and it shouldn’t be like that. I want young people to know that they don’t have to choose that way of life. I think Fearless is a really good service because young people need to know that there’s somewhere they can get advice on crimes and pass on information without anyone finding out who they are.”

Bright and original

Gary Trowsdale, Managing Director of the Damilola Taylor Trust said: “The Damilola Taylor Trust recognises Crimestoppers as one of the most significant independent resources available to young people to help protect them individually and also provide them an option to help them protect their local community. We feel that all organisations such as the DTT who are engaged in the process of bringing positive change to local communities so that they can be safer environments for young people should engage with Crimestoppers interactively.

“This new project is bright and original and something young people can identify with. We cannot allow the feral minority who hide behind the invisible cloak of silence to threaten our local communities, so promoting positive options like this is very important.”

Fearless workshops

The Fearless team also run workshops and presentations about the service in schools and youth groups.  

Fearless has replaced ShadowCS as Crimestoppers' brand for young people.

Visit the Fearless website.