Sixth arrest for Operation Captura 2

Crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers can confirm that a sixth Most Wanted criminal has been arrested under Operation Captura 2. [3 June 2009]

Andrew Mark Snelgrove, born in Lewisham and wanted by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), is accused of attempted murder, wounding with intent and possession of a firearm with the intent to endanger life on 24 June 1999. He was arrested in Malaga, Spain on Monday 01 June.

Lord Ashroft, KCMG, founder and Chair of Crimestoppers said: “It's great to see Operation Captura continuing to be highly successful in tracking down dangerous criminals who think they can escape justice to live in the sunny climate of Spain. Thanks again must go to the Spanish public for continuing to pass on information to Crimestoppers and to the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), the British Embassy in Madrid and the Spanish Police for playing such a vital role in helping to make communities safer for all.”

David Armond, International Director for SOCA commented: “Public assistance can be vital to law enforcement, and we encourage everyone to support the Crimestoppers campaigns like Operation Captura which has been so effective in locating UK fugitives trying to hide out in Spain.”

British Ambassador to Spain, Denise Holt, said: “It is a remarkable achievement that information received as a result of this Crimestoppers initiative has now removed a sixth dangerous and wanted criminal from the streets.”

Operation Captura 2 was launched in November 2008 focussing on the Alicante region of Spain. To date six out of the ten wanted individuals have been bought to justice.

Operation Captura identifies serious criminals wanted by UK law enforcement agencies for crimes committed in the UK. Crimestoppers and SOCA work closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff in Madrid, British and Spanish law enforcement agencies. The campaign highlights appeals for information on criminals who have European Arrest Warrants issued against them for crimes such as drug trafficking, murder and currency counterfeiting. Information given to Crimestoppers can help locate these criminals so that arrests can be carried out by the Spanish police.

Calls to the freephone Spanish 900 555 111 telephone number are answered in the UK by Crimestoppers' call agents and a translation service is available upon request. People can also pass on information anonymously via the online Giving Information form on Crimestoppers' website.

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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.