Ex-footballer Ian Wright shows crime the red card

[28 July 2008]

The former Arsenal and England striker, Ian Wright, has donated his time to record a radio commercial for the crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers with the message ‘show crime the red card'.

The commercial marks an important milestone for the charity which received its one millionth actionable call today - this means useful information that the police can act on to make arrests and charges.

Since Crimestoppers was launched in 1988, over 86,000 arrests and charges have been made as a result of someone contacting the charity. Over 750 people have been charged with murder, £101 million of goods have been recovered and £150 million worth of drugs have been seized.

In the thirty second commercial which will be aired on GCap Media stations across the country, Ian Wright has the following message for the public:

“Thanks a million to everyone who in the last 20 years has phoned in anonymously about crime. If you need a safe and anonymous way to show crime the red card, do the right thing and be one in a million. Phone Crimestoppers today on 0800 555 111, let's give crime the boot.”

Listen to the 'Show crime the red card'' radio commercial.

Ends

For press enquiries contact

Hannah Daws, Head of Communications, Crimestoppers
Tel: 020 8254 3230/07900 694904
Email: Hannah.daws@crimestoppers-uk.org

Notes to editors

• Crimestoppers is an independent charity dedicated to solving crimes and taking criminals off the streets. Around 17 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person every five days is charged with murder.
• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received a million actionable calls, resulting in over 86,000 arrests and charges. Over £101 million worth of property has been recovered and over £150 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 is built on a three-way partnership between the business community, the police and the media.