Crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers is launching a campaign in Clacton-on-Sea this month to help law enforcement tackle the issue of knife crime. [21 August 2012]

The campaign, supported by Essex Police, will see Crimestoppers distribute posters, leaflets and postcards in venues across the town to appeal for the community’s help on incidents of knife crime that have occurred in the area and those carrying knives – information which could save someone’s life. Crimestoppers are also running a Facebook advert which will be seen by those living in the Clacton area to run alongside a knife amnesty being arranged by Essex Police.

The idea of the campaign is not only to raise awareness of knife crime and reduce incidents of knife crime but also to raise awareness of Crimestoppers and the anonymous service it offers; reminding people that they have an outlet to pass on information about crime, without having to reveal who they are. They could even get a cash reward for their information.

'Nothing to fear'

Ann Scott, Eastern Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said: “You have nothing to fear by contacting our charity about knife crime. Crimestoppers is not part of the police and we do not ask for your name or take any of your personal details. We do not record our calls or trace calls/IP addresses and you will not have to give a statement to Police or go to court. I would urge anyone with information on knife crime to contact us anonymously – we only want to know what you know, not who you are. In the 24 years that we have been running we have never revealed anyone’s identity. You could even get a cash reward of up to £1,000 if your information leads to a successful arrest and charge – and your anonymity will still not be compromised”.

She continued “There may be people out there who know that someone is carrying a knife or is rumoured to be carrying a knife – we want any information, about past incidents or those who are carrying knives now, no matter how insignificant you feel it might be. Calling Crimestoppers or sending an online secure form via the website is very quick and easy. By giving information you will be helping to protect your community and helping to prevent future knife crime incidents – do your bit to make Clacton-on-Sea safe. You could even get up to £1000 for your information – just tell the call taker that you want to claim a reward when you give information”.

Acting Chief Inspector Cat Barrie, District Commander for Tendring, explained why Essex Police is supporting such a campaign: “There have been a small number of incidents in Clacton over the past year where a knife has been involved which has had a big impact upon the community and has led to an increase in the fear of crime.  We want to reassure people that the seaside town is a safe place to live and that the majority of the offences have been related to people involved in criminal activity, so the general public who are law abiding citizens are quite safe. We realise that not everyone feels comfortable giving information about crime to Police so the charity Crimestoppers is a safe alternative”.

She continued “Some may believe that by carrying a knife you are helping to protect yourself, but it's a fact that if you carry a knife, you are much more likely to get stabbed yourself. Knife crime can have a devastating impact and those caught carrying knives will be dealt with severely by Essex Police”.

To contact Crimestoppers about a knife related incident or crime then please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through our secure online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Rewards can only be claimed when giving information via 0800 555 11.

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For more information and media interviews please contact Ann Scott on 01255 475954 or ann.scott@crimestoppers-uk.org