Independent charity Crimestoppers is launching a digital campaign urging the people in the West Country to tell them about serious violent criminal activity such as knife crime, gun crime and exploiting vulnerable people.
The public is being asked to contact Crimestoppers, 100%
The Crimestoppers campaign focuses on:
Knife crime
- The continuing increase in the number of people carrying knives leads to a tragic toll of serious injuries and death – with a permanent effect on victims, their families and their friends.
- Especially amongst young people, there is a feeling that carrying a knife leads to increased safety and security, when in fact it can lead to a greater likelihood of being injured or killed by a knife.
Gun crime
- Illegally imported guns.
- Converted blank firing guns, which pose a real threat to life, are being reactivated or converted so that they can fire live rounds.
- 3D printed weapons and parts.
- All contributing to the increasing casualties and fatalities among both criminals and bystanders, happening in both our towns and our countryside because of criminals using firearms, often indiscriminately.
Criminal exploitation
- Including human trafficking, and modern slavery.
- Vulnerable adults and youngsters are being exploited by crime gangs who traffic people and/or coerce and intimidate them into running illegal drugs.
Karen MacDonald, Crimestoppers South West Regional Manager said:
“We know people in the West Country are worried about serious criminal activity such as knife crime and gun violence, but these can be difficult to report. There are people close to the crime who want to do the right thing and end violence in their community, but they fear retaliation from criminals if they found out who reported them. That is why our 100% anonymous reporting service is so important. By passing on information to us, however small or insignificant, we can piece together a picture of the crime and prevent harm and injury.
“By calling Crimestoppers anonymously the public can help bring justice to victims of violent crime and prevent further violence in the future.”
Further information can be found on the campaign web page.
Information can be given 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers, which is independent from law enforcement, in over 150 different languages, 365 days of the year, 24/7, by calling the UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111, or by completing a safe and secure online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org. In an emergency, always call 999.
Please note: Computer IP addresses are never traced, and no-one will ever know you contacted Crimestoppers. For telephone calls, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and calls have never been traced.