The crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers are urging residents in Fife to help rid their communities of knife crime with the launch of a new campaign today [10 October 2011].

As part of the campaign, Crimestoppers are driving home the message that information about violent criminals in Fife can be passed on completely anonymously through the Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111, or via the online Giving Information Form.

Information given to the independent charity Crimestoppers is passed onto the police and law enforcement agencies in such a way that the caller’s identity is completely unidentifiable. Calls and online forms are untraceable, and providing information to Crimestoppers means that you not have to give a statement to the Police or go to court.

In order to effectively tackle violent crime, information on those who carry knives or other weapons is required so that officers can follow up on this and target the offenders.

Chief Inspector Ross Bennet said: “Fife Constabulary welcomes this campaign at a time when the potentially-devastating impact of knife crime is of deep concern to many in our community. We take crimes involving knives and other weapons very seriously and are only too well aware of the devastation these offences cause to families and communities.”

The campaign, which includes local radio advertising, publicity materials and interior bus advertising, is funded in part by a generous donation from the family and friends of a local man Sean Stark who was fatally stabbed with a kitchen knife outside his home. The tragic father-of-two, who was trying to save his neighbour from being beaten up, was left bleeding to death in the middle of the road outside his home in Lochgelly, Fife.

Sean’s mother Mary Stark said. “We are proud to support this campaign to encourage those with information on knife carriers to do the right thing and tell Crimestoppers what they know. I don't want another family going through what we have.  Losing Sean in such tragic circumstances has been devastating for our family and I urge people of all ages, please do not carry knives".

Kate Jackson National Manager for Scotland Crimestoppers said: “People who carry weapons pose an extreme danger to the public and your call can make a big difference. The information you pass on could avert a crime, solve a crime, or even save a life.

Nearly 700 arrests were made in Scotland in the year to 31st March 2011 thanks to the information given to Crimestoppers by members of the public. This proves that the service is effective in fighting crime and it is vital that everyone realises that they can play an important role in helping make their communities better places to live.”

For further information please contact Kate Jackson, National Manager on 07760 558152 / kate.jackson@crimestoppers-uk.org  

Notes to editors

• Crimestoppers is an independent charity which helps the police to solve crimes, making communities safer. It does this by operating the 24/7 telephone number 0800 555 111 which people can ring to pass on information about crimes anonymously. They can also use our ‘giving information’ form via our website www.crimestoppers-uk.org
• Around 23 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person every nine days is charged with murder.
• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over 1.2 million actionable calls, resulting in over 100,000 arrests and charges. Over £114 million worth of property has been recovered and over £202 million worth of drugs.
• Crimestoppers UK was founded by Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Chairman of Trustees. In 1988, he launched Crimestoppers in the Metropolitan Police area. Crimestoppers ‘call to action’ is built on a three-way partnership between the business community, the police and the media.