Crimestoppers is launching a new campaign in a crackdown on burglary across Southend. [14 March 2012]

The 3 month campaign, which is funded by Southend Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership and supported by Essex Police, has already started with a series of hard hitting adverts on Southend Radio. They reveal the horror of coming home to a burgled house and detail how buying stolen goods can feed the need for burglars to commit more crimes. It will end with a total of 60,000 postcards being put through the letterboxes of homes in the town. In addition to this, local pubs, clubs, second hand shops and pawn shops will receive beer mats, posters and leaflets – all with the message that Crimestoppers will take information 100% anonymously on those committing burglaries or handling stolen goods.

'Making your community a safer place to live'

Ann Scott, Crimestoppers Eastern Regional Manager, explains why the campaign is important: “Being burgled is not just about losing possessions, it also robs you of feeling safe in your own home. People should be able to feel secure and confident in their own homes.

No one has anything to fear by contacting Crimestoppers. We never ask for your name and no personal information is taken. Calls are not recorded and we do not trace calls or IP addresses. Those who give information do not have to give a statement to police or go to court. In the 24 years that we have been running, Crimestoppers has never broken its promise of anonymity”.

She continued “By giving information to Crimestoppers you will be playing a part in making your community a safer place to live. You could even get a cash reward – and you won’t have to reveal your identity. Up to £1,000 can be claimed for any information which leads to the arrest and charge of those responsible for burglaries or handling stolen goods”.

Simon Ford, from Southend Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership, added “We realise that not everybody feels comfortable going to the Police with information about criminals carrying out burglary and handling stolen goods. We are providing our community with a safe alternative to giving information about crime by joining forces with the charity Crimestoppers.  Burglars raided 691 homes in Southend last year and 6849 homes across the whole of Essex during last year – we are committed to addressing this issue”.

Crimestoppers plays a major part in the fight against burglary and handling stolen goods. Last year Crimestoppers received 5442 pieces of actionable information about burglaries and theft, leading to 608 arrests and charges across the UK. In Essex there were 131 calls about burglary and theft.

Information can be given to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or by sending a secure online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org Information given through the Crimestoppers website or directly to the police will not qualify for a reward.

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For more information please contact Ann Scott, Eastern Crimestoppers Region  Manager on 01255 475954 or ann.scott@crimestoppers-uk.org

Crimestoppers is an independent charity and not part of the police. If you wish to pass on information about crime anonymously, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or fill out our anonymous online Giving Information Form.