Gun crime campaign

[1st October 2004]

In January 2004 the Communications Department set out their plans to hold two national campaigns this year linked to the National Policing Plan priorities, and a focus group meeting was held in London to deliberate the messages we might wish to incorporate.

The first campaign focusing on gun crime was launched prior to the start of Crimestoppers Week (20th-26th Sept) at the head office of the Capital Radio Group in Leicester Square.

There was a good turn out from the media and other interested parties and the launch was televised on London ITN, featuring our CEO and carrying the main messages of gun crime and calling Crimestoppers anonymously. The launch also highlighted that we are an independent charity.

There was a good representation of people at the launch including the Home Office, pastor Nims Obunge representing the Peace Alliance, Maureen Lynch and Lucy Cope from Mothers Against Guns, the Metropolitan Police and media including Pete Turner from The Capital Radio Group, London Tonight, Choice FM, The Sikh Times, Mizmo Magazine,J ohn Diva, Blacknet and others.

Because of the joint approach to the campaign, literature was distributed not only through Crimestoppers but also The Peace Alliance, Mothers Against Guns, The Black and Asian Police Association in Birmingham to mention a few. Virtually all of the available literature has been used and in addition thousands of personal alarms were distributed in partnership with the Capital FM Group.