End of year statistics released by crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers have revealed that 2,910 pieces of information were passed to the police through Crimestoppers in Lancashire between April 2011 and March 2012 – an increase of four per cent on last year.
This information led to 580 people being arrested and charged with crimes in Lancashire. Drugs to the value of £2 million pounds were seized.
“We are very proud to be able to say that Crimestoppers is making a difference in Lancashire,” coomented Lee Threfall, Chair of Lancashire Crimestoppers. “It is thanks to those people who pass on information to us that these arrests are made and crimes solved.
“We are receiving more calls year on year which is leading to more arrests – all this contributes to making Lancashire an even safer place to live, work and visit.
“The information we receive is a valuable resource for the police and I must pay tribute to Lancashire Constabulary for the action officers take in carrying out investigations and making arrests on the back of this information.”
Detective Chief Inspector Lee Halstead, Lancashire Police, said: “Crimestoppers provides an invaluable and confidential service and allows people an alternative method of informing the police of their concerns via an independent third party. Every piece of information that is passed is examined carefully and acted on, achieving some great successes and bringing even more criminals to justice.”
With the charity celebrating its 25th anniversary next year, these figures represent a growing awareness and trust of Crimestoppers as both a charity, and an organisation that aids the fight against crime.
Gary Murray, North West Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said: “I am absolutely delighted by the results in Lancashire and this is a positive sign of the work our volunteers are conducting in the area.
“These results are part of Crimestoppers’ ongoing work to keep our communities safe and ensure that those committing crime are brought to justice.”
Across the UK, information passed onto the police by Crimestoppers increased almost five per cent.
Crimestoppers operates the 24/7 0800 555 111 telephone number for people to pass on information about crimes anonymously. Information can also be passed anonymously through the charity’s website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Crimestoppers, please fill out our volunteer enquiry form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/volunteer