[27 October 2009]

Crime-fighting charity, Crimestoppers, has launched its first ever blog entitled ‘I spy a crime' under the guise of good citizen superheroes in a bid to reach a wider audience through its online communications.

The blog is written through the characters of The Caped Crimestopper, Mask of Manuel and Granny Robyn who also form part of the charity's generic marketing materials that were launched earlier this year. The blog takes on a much lighter tone compared to the rest of Crimestoppers' work, with the aim of reaching wider audiences. Crimestoppers campaigns, funny calls received and crime news are some of the topics blogged about.

The blog is part of the charity's revamp and expansion of its online communications over the past two years. In 2008, Crimestoppers launched a new website www.crimestoppers-uk.org which has around 90,000 unique visitors a month and a Crimestoppers Facebook page which now has over 1200 fans. Crimestoppers joined Twitter in April and has over 380 followers.

Hannah Daws, Crimestoppers' Head of Communications, said: “Whilst crime is an extremely serious matter, we need to reach other audiences who wouldn't necessarily engage with more traditional media, especially younger people. This is why we've chosen a slightly more light-hearted route with the blog by using the community superheroes. These characters also help reinforce the anonymity that the charity provides, sending the message ‘you can be a superhero in the fight against crime without revealing your identity'.”

Check out the charity's blog at: http://ispyacrime.blogspot.com/ .

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Notes to editors

For further information contact Crimestoppers' press office.

• 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.
• 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 95,000 arrests and charges. Over £110 million worth of goods has been recovered and over £176 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 655 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.