Help make the Winter Olympics a crime-free event

Crimestoppers asks for public's assistance to prevent crime at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games [11 November 2009]

The UK crime-fighting charity, Crimestoppers, is appealing to the public to pass on information about crimes that may negatively impact on the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Vancouver, Canada, in the run-up to this major sporting opening in February 2010.

Criminal information received will be passed to Canadian Crime Stoppers to help the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit, which is in charge of security, to enable the Games to be played in a safe and secure environment. The Unit is led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; a major partner of the Crimestoppers programme and of this initiative.

Michael Laurie CBE, Crimestoppers UK's Chief Executive, said: “We are appealing to the British public to pass on any information they may have that might affect the safe running of the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games; the Games are symbolic of the world's nations coming together in peaceful unity. Our promise to you is that any information passed to Crimestoppers is 100% anonymous; no personal details are taken and no one will know you contacted us.”

Gary Murphy, President of Crime Stoppers International, added: “Crime Stoppers International is a global partner in the fight against crime and terrorism. With our world-class grass roots intelligence base, we are at the forefront with anonymous information that assists law enforcement across the globe.”

“This information is very valuable in helping us achieve our goal of securing the best Winter Games ever as partners in safety, peace and celebration,” says Assistant Commissioner, Bud Mercer, Chief Operations Officer for the Vancouver Officer for the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit.

To pass on any information about criminal activity contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. In North America text a message using keyword BCTIP to 274637 or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or via www.solvecrime.ca.

-ENDS-

Further information:

For further information contact Crimestoppers' press office.

Notes to editors:

• Crimestoppers UK is part of Crime Stoppers International, which is an umbrella organisation operated by a volunteer board of directors from Crimestoppers programmes worldwide to establish guidelines for consistency. There are over 1200 Crimestoppers programmes operating throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, South Africa, Central America and Caribbean region. www.csiworld.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 on this website.
• Around 20 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person every six days is charged with murder.
• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over a million actionable calls, resulting in over 95,000 arrests and charges. Over £110 million worth of property has been recovered and over £178 million worth of drugs.
• 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 710 arrests to date from 3,400 thousand appeals posted.
• 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.
• In September 2007, Crimestoppers launched a youth website ShadowCS.co.uk which allows young people to give information anonymously online.