Cash rewards of up to £1,000 are on offer for information leading to the arrest and charge of those handling stolen goods in Norwich from the independent charity Crimestoppers. [20 December 2012]

The independent crime fighting charity wants Norwich residents to tell them what they know about those handling stolen goods in their community. And callers won’t be identified - it’s what you know, not who you are.

Although there has been a consistent reduction in burglary over the past few years across the whole of Norfolk, Crimestoppers are keen to help drive it down further. Ann Scott Eastern Regional Manager for Crimestoppers explained why tackling those handling stolen goods is important: “Removing the market for stolen goods removes the incentive for the burglar to commit offences in the first place. Burglars rarely give a second thought to the suffering they cause to others and we would ask the public to help us beat them by providing any information they can. If you have purchased a mobile phone, laptop, games console or jewellery from someone and the price seems too good to be true then they could be stolen. It may be a bargain to you but to the victim it is stolen memories and it continues their trauma. And the next victim could be you or your family or friends. With Christmas fast approaching people are on the lookout for a bargain”.

Crimestoppers plays a major part in the flight against burglary and handling stolen goods. Last year information given to Crimestoppers led to 713 arrests over burglary, theft and handling stolen goods across the UK. Since the charity started 24 years ago Crimestoppers information has led to £115 million of stolen property being recovered.

Crimestoppers is urging anyone with information on those handling stolen goods, no matter how insignificant it might seem, to contact the charity anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Ann Scott added: “No one has anything to fear by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers. You will remain 100% anonymous. We never ask for your name or any personal details and calls are not traced or recorded. Those who give information do not have to give a statement to the police or go to court. In the 23 years that we have been running we have never broken our promise of anonymity and never identified a caller”.

Only calls made to 0800 555 111 will be eligible for a reward. Information can also be given via www.crimestoppers-uk.org but rewards cannot be claimed in this way.

The call for information follows Crimestoppers posters and flyers being distributed in Norwich appealing for information on those handling stolen goods. A targeted Facebook advert is also ongoing.