Help unmask bank robbers

[29 June 2009]

Crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers is launching a campaign to ask the public to pass on information anonymously about bank robberies in Greater Manchester.

A major issue with bank raids is that it is not merely robbers taking the money – they are attacking and frightening staff and customers of all ages and from all backgrounds.

A reward of up to £100,000 is available for information given to Crimestoppers on bank robberies which leads to an arrest and conviction. Crimestoppers operates the 0800 555 111 telephone number for people to pass on information about crime anonymously and is not part of the police.

Crimestoppers' North West Regional Manager, Gary Murray said: “People should feel that they and their money are safe when at a bank. Innocent people who are victims of this crime are robbed of trust, faith, health and confidence, which we want the public to be aware of. Help unmask the bank robbers and help bring justice for victims by passing on any information you may have on bank raids to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via our anonymous online Giving Information Form . No personal details will be taken and calls are not traced or recorded – no one will know who you are.”

The campaign will include:

• 30 bus stop adverts on key routes
• 15,000 beer mats in more than 100 pubs
• 5000 posters displayed in newsagents
• 5000 flyers being hand delivered to homes

-ENDS-

For more information contact Crimestoppers' press office.

Notes to editors

• 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 19 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person every four days is charged with murder.
• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over a million actionable calls, resulting in over 91,000 arrests and charges. Over £167 million worth of property has been recovered and over £160 million worth of drugs.
• In 2006, 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 500 arrests to date from 2.5 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 www.shadowcs.co.uk which allows young people to give information anonymously online.