Essex Crimestoppers had two VIP tickets to give away for this year's V-Festival at Chelmsford. [August 2010]

Nearly 600 people entered the Essex Crimestoppers competition to win VIP tickets to this year’s festival at Hylands Park. The lucky winner was Paul Loughran, of Belfast, who got to see all the back stage action and experience the festival as a VIP.

Of his V-Festival weekend, Paul said: “It was a really great experience. I met some really friendly people, a few celebs, and got to see some of my favourite bands live."

One of those celebrities was X-Factor favourite and Essex boy, Olly Murs (pictured right with Paul).

Crimestoppers volunteers attended the festival to speak about Crimestoppers and hand out Crimestoppers hand sanitisers to revellers.

A successful weekend

Ann Scott, Eastern Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said: “This event was really successful – we had lots of people approaching us asking how we can help them. One person wanted to report their neighbours who were drug dealing, but was scared to go to the police because they feared their neighbours would find out it. The person was relieved to hear they could call Crimestoppers anonymously and that they would not have to give their name or go to court. You can imagine they enjoyed the festival a little bit more after hearing that!”

Essex Crimestoppers are currently looking for volunteers to help them with fundraising and other fun community events. Get in touch if you are interested in volunteering for Crimestoppers and helping to make your community safer.