A Bus For All Seasons

[January 2008]

Rain or shine, night or day – a new bus spreads the Crimestoppers message to Glenrothes and Kirkcaldy as pupils from St. Paul's Primary School take Chief Constable Peter Wilson and MSP Tricia Marwick for a rainy drive.

The success of the original crime bus in Dunfermline prompted Doug Fleming, MD Stagecoach East of Scotland, to base another bus in Glenrothes. The anonymous calls about Dunfermline to the charity Crimestoppers' on 0800 555 111 have risen by 200% in the last five years. Calls about Glenrothes have only risen by 10%. Doug is hoping that the new bus will encourage more Fifers to ring Crimestoppers to help address the vandalism, drug abuse and other crimes which cause concern to the transport company.

Doug explained: “Following the success of the original crime bus in Dunfermline, it was clear that other areas may benefit from this initiative. The scheme further demonstrates Stagecoach in Fife's commitment in assisting with crime prevention in the local community”.

Crimestoppers takes calls about all types of crime – as the bus suggests – night and day. The specially designed phone system means that calls cannot be traced or recorded, ensuring that callers remain anonymous.

Mr Wilson thanked the P7 class for giving him a lift back to Police HQ and said: “Young people make great crime-fighters. It is important that they know they can use Crimestoppers too, and help us to make their lives that little bit safer.”

Tricia Marwick, MSP added: “ I was delighted to attend this event organised by Crimestoppers. I was pleased to see that young people were involved in the fight against crime and I know that campaigns such as this are important in raising awareness”.

Sally Cassidy, Crimestoppers local area Project Organiser told the P7 class to each tell six people about how Crimestoppers Scotland operates. “We find that a lot of people think we are part of the police and don't understand that the service we offer gives people a different route to pass on their information about crimes. The public also tend to think we're only sitting by the phone when a major appeal goes out but, as the bus tells us, we're waiting for calls any time about any crime – and guarantee anonymity.

“Normally criminal activities should be reported directly to the police, and the 999 number should always be used in an emergency, but it is important that children should also understand the 0800 555 111 number and retain that information into adulthood. The class were extremely well behaved, very polite and asked interesting questions; a credit to the school and their families.”

The P7 class from St. Paul's thought that the bus “really represented Crimestoppers” and “the half day and half night design shows that Crimestoppers is open night and day waiting to take calls”. The bus is “a really good idea” they all agreed. And they quickly memorised the number: 0800 555 111.

Mrs Campbell, P7 teacher, St. Paul's Primary School said: “ The children really understood how Crimestoppers operates and impressed me by instantly memorising the number. They enjoyed listening to presentation, and I was really proud of them. I know they will pass on the information to more than 6 people. They have already noticed the bus as it is out and about!"