CRIMESTOPPERS is on the lookout for volunteers across the county to help spread the word of their charity which has helped pass on over 1,000 pieces of information to the police in the last year.

Launching yesterday (Jan 18), the Wiltshire Volunteer Committee for Crimestoppers, is anticipated to raise awareness of the 24/7 anonymous 0800 555 111 telephone number while also delivering new crime prevention campaigns.

Matthew McGinn, volunteer chairperson for the new Wiltshire committee, said: “Crimestoppers makes a real difference to communities. It empowers individuals to give information about criminals safely and anonymously. In the short time I’ve been involved with Crimestoppers I’ve been really impressed with the enthusiasm and professionalism of those I’ve met and I look forward to working with local people and law enforcement organisations on campaigns that really make a difference to Wiltshire.”

The crime-fighting charity will use a radio advert, a digital advertising van, social media, posters and leaflets, to achieve its aim of raising awareness. The move comes after last year’s appointment of Emily Van der Lely, regional manager for Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, which has already led to an increase in campaign activity and crime information received.

Wiltshire passed on over 1,000 pieces of information to the police in the area during the last calendar year, a 19.7 per cent increase, and a figure that the new committee will work to grow even further in their bid to tackle crime across the county.

Working at a grassroots level across the UK helping to fight crime in local communities, their new volunteering scheme will continue their work with Wiltshire Police, businesses and other charities to launch campaigns and events, helping to raise awareness and make communities safer places to live.

The charity say recent research into the importance of anonymity confirms how valuable Crimestoppers is to the people who contact them.

Emily Van Der Lely, regional manager for Crimestoppers in Wiltshire, added: “Volunteers bring energy, enthusiasm and a concern for the welfare of the local community. They also bring their own ideas and expertise which is what helps to bring about such fantastic results.

“We encourage anyone with a real interest in Crimestoppers to join us by volunteering or by becoming a charity ambassador, helping to spread the message that anyone with information on crime can report anonymously.”

Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over 1.7 million actionable calls, resulting in more than 138,000 arrests and charges. Nearly £135 million worth of stolen goods has been recovered and nearly £333 million worth of illegal drugs has been seized.

Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: “I am delighted to be part of the Crimestoppers launch event in Wiltshire and proud to support this independent charity which works round the clock to bring criminals to justice.

“People of all ages can report crimes any time, on the phone or online, knowing they will be guaranteed anonymity.

“The intelligence passed securely by Crimestoppers to Wiltshire Police plays a key part in helping to deliver my top priority of preventing crime and keeping people safe.

“I would urge businesses and other organisations across the Wiltshire Police area to sign up as ambassadors for this excellent charity.” 

Anyone interested in becoming a Crimestoppers volunteer can learn more about the scheme on the national charity’s website by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org where people can complete the online volunteer enquiry form.