Thank you to the young people

With youth crime increasing during the school holidays, the UK charity Crimestoppers is hoping to encourage more young people to use its service by launching a Thank You campaign. [27 July 2009]

The charity will be saying ‘thank you' to the young people of Derbyshire, Hounslow and Newham who might have used the Crimestoppers website and 0800 555 111 phone number to anonymously report information about crime.

The Thank You campaign, running until 13 August, reminds young people that Crimestoppers provides an alternative route through which they can pass on information about crimes.

Mick Laurie CBE, Crimestoppers' Chief Executive said: “As schools break-up, it's important for young people to be aware that they might witness or hear details about a crime but do not feel comfortable reporting it to the police.

“Anti-social behaviour and theft are two crimes in particular that often rise during the school holidays. By calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or passing on information online via the Giving Information Form, you can help fight crime anonymously. Calls and online forms are not traced or recorded and you won't be asked your name.”

Banners are being hung in key community buildings and over 160,000 flyers are being distributed across Derby, Hounslow and Newham to thank the young people who already use the Crimestoppers service and to remind others that it is available.

The charity is also reminding young people to visit www.ShadowCS.co.uk, Crimestoppers' youth website. It is a one-stop-shop where young people can anonymously pass on information about crime, learn how the law affects them, play games and listen to music. There are also educational resources for parents and teachers.

-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 online Giving Information Form
• 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.