Crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers can confirm that over 1,000 calls were made to Crimestoppers yesterday and there has been a consistent high level of information being received since the weekend. [10 August 2011]

We would like to thank the public for this overwhelming response and their help in coming forward with information relating to the recent heinous outbreaks of riots across the UK.

Events condemned

Michael Laurie, Crimestoppers’ Chief Executive said: “I utterly condemn the events over recent nights, the violence and looting across the UK is criminal and disgraceful.

“We have received over 300 per cent increase in information via our anonyous online information giving forms. I would encourage members of the public to continue providing us with information on those they know are responsible for these heinous acts of violence or looting of stolen goods.

“This information will lead to those committing violent acts that harm their fellow citizens being arrested and facing justice.

“We won’t ask for your name and calls are never traced or recorded. You won’t have to go to court or give a statement to the Police – we only want to know what you know, not who you are. In the 23 years that Crimestoppers has been running we have never broken our anonymity promise.”

How to pass on information

Anyone wishing to pass on information anonymously about those involved in recent violent disorder incidents across the country can do so by contacting us on 0800 555111 or online via our online form.

Due to the high volume of calls we have been experiencing we would ask that If your information is not of a time-critical nature, then to please use our online information giving form which can be easily found on our website.

The information we are keen to receive would include the location of stolen goods and/or the names/addresses of those responsible for stealing them, and the names of those committing acts of violence.

-ENDS-

For further information please 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 23 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers.

• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over 1.2 million actionable calls, resulting in over 107,000 arrests and charges. Over £115 million worth of goods has been recovered and over £210 million worth of drugs has been seized.

• 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 1,200 arrests to date.

• 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.