Gangs don't care - do you?
We've launched a campaign to encourage Essex residents to speak up about gang-related crime on their streets
Knives, guns, violence, drugs, sexual exploitation and theft are all issues associated with gangs
As an independent charity, we want to raise awareness among members of the public as well as encourage those with vital information to contact us anonymously. We are not the police and we are not a TV programme.
Antonia Litten, Eastern Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said: “Those that do not want to speak with Essex Police about gang-related crime can contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously through our 24-hour number, 0800 555 111, or our secure online form* - https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.
“People often ask me why someone would not contact police if they knew about gang crimes and violence in their community, or about someone who carries a knife, or someone who was being sexually exploited by a gang. Sometimes, it can be the fear of a criminal finding out that you have gone to the police about them; it can paralyse a community”.
“Crimestoppers takes the fear out of giving information on any type of crime. We are not the police and we don’t take your personal details and we can’t trace the information you give by phone or online. You won’t have to give a witness statement to the police and you will not be asked to attend court. ” We give people that peace of mind.”
Stuart Rawlins, Chair of Essex Crimestoppers Volunteer Committee, added: “People should feel safe and secure in their own community. No one has anything to fear by contacting Crimestoppers, as you will remain 100% anonymous The only person who will know you called is you. In the 28 years that Crimestoppers has been running, we have never broken our promise of anonymity”.
Roger Hirst, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “I am pleased to support this Crimestoppers campaign designed to raise awareness of gang activity, enabling members of the public to report suspicions anonymously and safely. I hope this will help build an intelligence picture which will form part of a strategy of disrupting gangs, of protecting the vulnerable, and of intervening early to provide meaningful alternatives to gang life.”
About Crimestoppers
Crimestoppers plays a significant part in the fight against crime. 1,000 people contact the charity every day with information about crime, and the police are able to make an average of 14 arrests per day as a result - find out more about Crimestoppers, our campaigns and our mission at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
*Members of the public are eligible to claim a reward of up to £1,000 if their information given to Crimestoppers through the 0800 555 111 number or the Anonymous Online Form, leads to a successful arrest and charge. Note: the reward will only qualify if information is passed to Crimestoppers’ 0800 555 111 number or anonymous online form. Information passed directly to police will not qualify.