Guernsey Crimestoppers/Guernsey Press initiative

Locally, residents of Guernsey are aware of a joint Guernsey Crimestoppers and Guernsey Press initiative which as been titled by the press as “shop a yob”.

For nearly 2 years, the local Crimestoppers co-ordinator has supplied selected CCTV images of persons strongly suspected of being involved in criminal activity to the press.

So far, around 90% of images that appeared in the local newspaper, the 'Guernsey Press', have resulted in positive identifications. More than 25 people have been arrested and brought to justice.

The initiative has also increased calls to Crimestoppers locally about other crimes and criminals, which has also lead to a significant increase in arrests.

Crimestoppers Co-ordinator, Bernie English says: “The partnership with the Guernsey Press and the community has been vital; we had to overcome some Data Protection issues, but I was aware that as an organisation, the police had many CCTV images that were not being used effectively. Empowering the Guernsey community to assist in solving crime was fundamental and a message has been sent to those committing crime, that with increased CCTV technology and the support of the community, the detection of crime is no longer the sole responsibility of the local police.”