Don't let the pickpockets win! CRIMESTOPPERS ANNOUNCES NEW CRIME CAMPAIGN

Crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers, is warning young people to be on their guard when out and about to help prevent them from becoming a victim of pickpockets, following new government statistics that theft from a person has risen. [1 February 2010]

Whilst the recent quarterly update from the Home Office reports that police-recorded crime showed a fall in most crime types, theft from a person was one crime that did rise - by seven per cent.

Crimestoppers is mounting a campaign to urge people to pass on information they may have about personal robbery and to be on their guard whilst carrying valuable items.

Young people are often victims of personal robbery as they tend to carry a lot of expensive items such as MP3 players and mobile phones. They are also more likely to carry cash in their wallets, instead of debit and credit cards, which is easier for criminals to use.

Dave Cording, Director of Operations said: “Clearly the police are doing a great job, as shown by the fall in most crime types. But people shouldn't be complacent and we should all take note that theft from a person has risen. So we urge everyone, particularly young people who seem to be more susceptible to this crime, to take as many precautions as they can to help prevent becoming a victim. We also strongly urge anyone who may have information on personal robbers to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via our website www.crimestoppers-uk.org .”

Chris Preddie, 22, a Crimestoppers youth worker said: “Personal robbery isn't always violent, but that doesn't mean to say you should be any less on your guard when you are out. No doubt lots of people got new phones, MP3 players and portable consoles for Christmas. I'm sure everyone wants to keep them safe so it's important to be more aware of what you are carrying with you and where it is.”

To help keep you and your possessions safe when out and about, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust has some simple to steps you can take:

• Avoid danger spots like quiet or badly lit alleyways, subways or isolated car parks. Walk down the middle of the pavement if the street is deserted.
• Try to keep both hands free and don't walk with your hands in your pockets.
• Always take the route you know best and try to use well lit, busy streets.
• Keep your mind on your surroundings – remember if you are wearing a personal stereo or chatting on your mobile phone, you will not hear trouble approaching.
• Be careful when using ATM machines. Make sure nobody is hovering nearby and do not count your money in the middle of the street.
• If you think you are being followed, trust your instincts and take action. As confidently as you can, cross the road turning and look to see who is behind you. If you are still being followed, keep moving. Make for a busy area and tell people what is happening. If necessary, call the police.
• Try not to keep all your valuables in one place. Instead place valuables such as wallets in an inside pocket or use a money belt. • Keep valuables out of sight on the street.
• Consider carrying a personal safety alarm, which can be used to shock and disorientate an attacker giving you vital seconds to get away.

For further crime prevention advice visit http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/crime-prevention .

-ENDS-

For further information contact Crimestoppers' press office.

Notes to editors

In The Nature of Personal Robbery by Jonathan Smith, published by the Home Office in January 2003, research showed that most victims of personal robbery were under the age of 21-years-old (Figure 3.2 and Figure 3.3).

Crimestoppers

• 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 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.