Independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers is making it even easier and more accessible for people to give information about crime through the launch of a mobile version of its website [19 March 2012].

Over 40 per cent of all information being passed to Crimestoppers comes in via the anonymous online form on the charity’s website. In the two weeks following the soft launch of the mini mobile site on 23 February, the charity passed on just over 2,000 pieces of online information to the police, with nearly 12 per cent of this information coming from the mobile site.  

The site allows users to access the charity’s secure online form, which has been optimised for mobile devices. Those who have passed on information are also able to make a donation to Crimestoppers via text message through Just Text Giving.

With events such as the public disorder last August generating a huge amount of information for the charity, this new site will allow the public to give information ‘on the go’. Once again, anonymity is guaranteed.

Make your community safer

Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Founder and Chair of Crimestoppers, said: “As the only crime-fighting charity in the UK allowing people to pass on information about crime anonymously, it is vital we make this process as easy as possible. Through our mobile website we want to encourage the public to give information to Crimestoppers 24/7 whether at home or on the move.

“With the public’s help, and our commitment to making Crimestoppers even more successful in the fight against crime, we can work together to make our communities a safer place.”

Ann Scott, Eastern Regional Manager for Crimestoppers said: “This is a huge step forward for Crimestoppers in making our site more accessible for those that want to pass on information about crime, whether at home or out and about.

"One of the reasons people contact Crimestoppers is the guarantee that their anonymity will not be compromised, and this new site continues that promise, while allowing them to pass on information almost anywhere.

"I would encourage anyone with information about crime to visit the site and fill out the secure form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org – it only takes a few minutes and it ould contribute to making your community safer”.

She continued, “Last year, just over 600 such calls and secure online forms were taken by Crimestoppers about crime and criminals in Cambridgeshire leading to 40 arrests. The last year has seen a hive of activity from the newly formed Cambridgeshire Crimestoppers Volunteer Committee including work in prisons, engagement with schools and a reward of up to £5,000 being offered for information on some Cambridge sexual assaults. We are currently looking for more members to join the Cambridgeshire Committee and encourage those looking to make a difference in their community to visit the Cambridgeshire pages of the main website”.  

To pass on information about crime, Crimestoppers can be contacted through our new mobile site, through your computer online, or via our anonymous 0800 555 111 number. Whichever form of communication you choose, your anonymity is guaranteed.

Fore more information on Crimestoppers please contact Media Officer, Kieran Theivam on 0208 835 3727 or email Kieran.theivam@crimestoppers-uk.org.

Notes to Editors

• Crimestoppers is an independent charity which helps the police to solve crimes, making communities safer. It does this by operating the 24/7 telephone number 0800 555 111 which people can ring to pass on information about crimes anonymously. They can also use our ‘giving information’ form via our website www.crimestoppers-uk.org

• Around 23 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers.
  

• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over a million actionable calls, resulting in over 113,000 arrests and charges. Over £122 million worth of goods has been recovered and over £223 million worth of drugs has been seized.

• In 2005, Crimestoppers launched the UK’s Most Wanted on its website which allows the public to view images of criminals and pass on vital information about their whereabouts. It has been highly successful with over 1,000 arrests to date.

• Crimestoppers UK was founded by Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Chairman of Trustees. In 1988, he launched Crimestoppers in the Metropolitan Police area. Crimestoppers’ ‘call to action’ is built on a three-way partnership between the business community, the police and the media.