Crimestoppers disappointed at decision to axe crime-fighting TV show

[2 March 2009]

The charity, Crimestoppers, wishes to express its disappointment that the Five TV pilot series, ‘Crimestoppers Live', which was due to be broadcast in late April, is no longer going ahead.

The pilot, which was to be funded by Crimestoppers' founder and Chairman, Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, was set to feature 150 serious criminals and present items on preventing crimes such as burglary and ID theft, particularly relevant during a recession.

Lord Ashcroft said: “In view of the current economic situation – even the Home Secretary has now said that crime will increase – this would have been very timely.”

Michael Laurie CBE, Crimestoppers' Chief Executive added: “We are really disappointed that this show is not going ahead. This was going to be public service broadcasting at its best, engaging people directly in helping the police solve crime.”

The show was to be fronted by ex-GMTV presenter, Fiona Phillips, who said: “I am terribly disappointed that this project is not going ahead. Crimestoppers is such as well-loved service. I regard it as the people's conduit to the police: it is dear to people's hearts and very successful.”

Crimestoppers regret that so much preparation had already gone into the making of the TV series resulting in costly resource implications for all parties: a production company had been assembled, filming schedules agreed and high profile presenters approached. In addition, many police forces had spent a good deal of time assisting Crimestoppers with the preparation of appeals and reconstructions.

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Media enquiries: For more information contact Crimestoppers' press office.