Independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of 80 year old Janet Methven on 20 February 2012.  [29 February 2012]

The appeal is for information on the incident which occurred in the victim’s home at Kildinny Cottage Forteviot, Perthshire, at around 5.15pm. The victim was found in her cottage by her son with serious injures to her head and body.  

Crimestoppers needs anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious on that evening to contact the charity anonymously to help solve this case and identify those responsible.

Police investigating the case particularly want to speak to passengers on a number 17 Stagecoach bus which passed the farm at around 10.30am that Monday, a man who was walking a brown dog on the road out of Forteviot at about the same time, and the driver of a yellow forklift truck who was also in the area at the time.

 Crimestoppers National Manager for Scotland, Kate Jackson, said:

 “Due to the despicable actions of someone, this elderly lady has suffered a violent and unpleasant death which has left her family and friends grieving.

 “Someone will have information about who is responsible. Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information on this crime that leads to an arrest and conviction so that it can be solved and bring the victim's family some form of peace.

 “The public can give information anonymously on our 0800 555 111 number or through our Giving Information Form. We won’t ask who you are, just what you know.”

 Individuals will only qualify for a reward by passing on information anonymously to Crimestoppers through its 0800 555 111 number.

-ENDS-

For more information on Crimestoppers please contact PR & Media Officer Giselle Lares on 0208 835 3737 or email Giselle.Lares@crimestoppers-uk.org

• 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.  
• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over a million actionable calls, resulting in over 108,000 arrests and charges. Over £115 million worth of goods has been recovered and over £213 million worth of drugs has been seized.  
• In 2005, Crimestoppers launched the UK’s Most Wanted on its website which allows the public to view images of criminals and pass on vital information about their whereabouts. It has been highly successful with over 1,000 arrests to date.
• Crimestoppers UK was founded by Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Chairman of Trustees, who in 1988 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.

• If claimed, the reward can be paid via the anonymous Crimestoppers reward system or, if the caller becomes known to the police, then appropriate arrangements can be made.
• Information given through our secure online form or directly to the police will not qualify.
• Reward will be offered for three months from 28 February 2012.