The Most Wanted christmas tree around!

It may be the festive season but sadly crime never takes a holiday. So crime-fighting charity have put together their Most Wanted christmas tree, which shows the twelve individuals still wanted under the campaign Operation Captura.

Following the arrest of yet another Most Wanted individual, Dennis O'Brien on 18 December, Crimestoppers have put a festive spin on finding the remaining twelve by showing their faces on what is surely the 'most wanted' Christmas tree this year!

After an intial 50 appeals, only 12 remain, showing the success of the campaign which aims to track down criminals on the run in Spain who are wanted by UK law enforcement.

See if you can identify any of Operation Captura's dirty dozen here.

Another Most Wanted is captured in Spain!

So another one bites the dust as crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers confirm the arrest of another of Britain's most wanted individuals under Operation Captura. As the 38th arrest out of 50 appeals, the operation, which aims to locate wanted fugitives known to be on the run in Spain shows no sign of slowing down.

Dennis Patrick O'Brien was arrested on 18 December in the Costa Del Sol. Identified as one of Britain's most wanted men in December 2007, O'Brien faces prosecution for conspiracy to supply cocaine with a street value of £166 million.

We all know that crime doesn't pay but proof of this old adage came in November this year when the High Court granted SOCA's application to seize O'Brien's assets including a pub and substantial funds from his bank account.

Finding O'Brien wasn't easy to say the least. The hunt for him went all over the globe including Peru, England, the Netherlands, Spain and saw gang members tailed to Hong Kong and Dubai.

Read more about the arrest here

Fake cash funds crime

As the charity Crimestoppers rounds up its national Counterfeiting campaign we leave you with some important information about fake money, one of the strands of the campaign.

First of all you should be aware that street level criminals often use fake notes to buy cheap items in shops so that they get a large amount of change (made up of genuine money) in return.  So if you work in retail or banking it's very important to know the signs of how to spot a fake.

Of course some fake money is easy to miss at a glance, so of course it's important for all consumers to be aware of how to spot fake cash too.  Learn how to spot fake currency at:
fakesfundcrime.org.uk

You can also watch Crimestoppers' video below about fake money and how it can affect you.

Fake DVDs fund crime

As the charity Crimestoppers continues its month-long Counterfeiting campaign, today we're focusing on the problem of fake DVDs.

In the run up to Christmas you may find yourself tempted to grab a 'bargain' and buy something which you know might not be a genuine branded product just to save a few pennies. But by buying fake goods you could be funding serious organised crime including drugs smuggling and people trafficking.

Then there's the disappointment of the person who realises they've been bought a fake...that's not the kind of surprise you want on Christmas day! And I'm sure you won't be too popular either!

Find out more about the links between fake DVDs and serious organised crime at fakesfundcrime.org

Meanwhile the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) have trained a crack team of specialist sniffer dogs who can locate hidden DVDs by smelling the chemicals used to make optical discs.

Watch sniffer dogs Lucky and Flo in action, fighting crime canine-style:

Fake fags fund crime

Did you know...fake products may seem like a cheap deal, but you can actually get more than you bargained for.

Take fake cigarettes for example, they can contain all sorts of nasties. Tests have shown that as well as containing excessive levels of tar, nicotine and chemicals, fake fags can also contain sawdust, actual insects and (brace yourselves) rat droppings!

Also, because fake cigarettes are sold on the sly, it's harder for police to make sure that they're not sold to under-18s....so children are more likely to get hold of them.

There are a number of ways you can tell that your cigarettes are fake. To find out about how to spot fakes and for more information about the dangers of fake fags go to Crimestoppers' microsite: fakesfundcrime.org

Remember, you should be suspicious if you see anyone selling cigarettes on the street, at their own house or flat, from vans, in pubs and clubs, at betting shops, at car boot sales, in tanning salons and in workplaces. It's obvious that these are not the usual outlets where cigarettes are sold so be wary!

Fake fashion funds crime

To tempt you into buying their products, counterfeiters often sell fakes at lower prices than originals would be sold for. Don’t be fooled – fake fashion items are often lower in quality than genuine goods and could fall apart soon after purchase.

But beware...buying fakes can be dangerous as well as inconvenient.  This is especially true for kids’ clothing, which is subject to legal safety standards that fakes are unlikely to comply with.

This can be very dangerous, for example if the material is flammable or in the case of hi-tech clothing items like insulated hiking jackets or waterproof shoes which fail to provide protection in extreme conditions. Fake sunglasses can also provide inadequate UV protection from sunlight leaving the wearer at risk of eye damage.

So you might think you're saving a few pennies but is it really worth the risk?  Or worse still, you might think you've got a bargain Christmas present for someone but then they realise they've been given a fake!
 
Read more about fake fashion at Fakesfundcrime.org or watch Crimestoppers' video Fake Fashion Funds Crime.

A very real problem as charity tackles fakes

The charity Crimestoppers is urging people to call 0800 555 111 with information about who's making and selling fake products.

Crimestoppers has launched a national campaign today which highlights the links between fake goods and serious organised crime. As well as supporting criminals, buying fakes puts you at risk of identity theft among other dangers. Didn't realise? Well, entering your debit or credit card details into a website that deals in fakes means that you're essentially giving your card details, address and your name to criminals.

Links to serious organised crime

Many people don't realise that by buying fakes they are helping to fund criminals who are sometimes involved in other crimes including drugs and people trafficking, prostitution, weapons dealing and money laundering.

The campaign is divided into five strands:

• Fake DVDs
• Fake money
• Fake tobacco
• Fake fashion
• The harm fake products can cause

For more information about the dangers of buying fake products go to the campaign microsite:
fakesfundcrime.org

The campaign is being run with the support of the Home Office, the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), the Bank of England, the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), the Film Distributors Association (FDA) and clothing company Pentland.

Find out more about the campaign by visiting the Crimestoppers website.

Thank you Crimestoppers volunteers!

Did you know that Crimestoppers is a charity who have a host of dedicated volunteers working across the UK to help make your community safer? Volunteers make a real difference to Crimestoppers. They make sure the anonymous hotline, 0800 555 111 and the secure online form are promoted successfully so people know that they can pass on information about crimes anonymously.

One of Crimestoppers' most dedicated volunteers is Bob Widdecombe, who stepped down as the Chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Crimestoppers Committee in September 2010 after a staggering 21 years of volunteering with the charity. That's a lot of volunteering!
Bob joined Crimestoppers in 1989 and oversaw the Devon and Cornwall Committee from the start. At the beginning, the committee had only six volunteers; now it’s comprised of 24 members!

Another of the charity's long serving Chairs, Terry Flynn, has also stepped down after being involved with Crimestoppers for the last five years and Chairman of the Wales/Cymru committee since October 2006. Congratulations go to Terry as he recently received the Cardiff Volunteer Award from South Wales Police Authority. We'd like to say a fond farewell to Bob and Terry and thank them for the time and effort they've so generously donated to the charity.

Find out more about volunteering with Crimestoppers here.

Young volunteers recognised for their efforts!

I've been told by my friends in the north that the Cleveland Crimestoppers Youth Committee have cause for celebration after they scooped a group award at the first Middlesbrough Volunteers ceremony last week.

The young people on the committee, who generously donate their spare time to making their communities safer, won the award because of the fantastic work they did promoting Fearless - the youth brand for the charity Crimestoppers.

It's great to see the work of Crimestoppers' volunteers being recognised. If you'd like to find out more about volunteering for the charity Crimestoppers click here.


Great work everyone!

Reward offered for helping catch Withywood Park arsonists

In the crazy world of crime-fighting there have been too many times to mention when I've been left completely confused by the actions of criminals. This is certainly the case with a number of unsavoury characters in South Bristol who have taken it upon themselves to set fire to rubbish bins in a local park. 'What's the point?' I'm sure you're wondering.

In a two week period, 18 wheelie bins have been taken from outside and inside people's gardens into Withywood Park where they were set alight. The fires have damaged the surface of the children's play areas and a skate board area.

To help find the perpetrators, Westcountry Crimestoppers and a local residents' group have put up £100 for information on those committing the crimes.

if you have information about the arsonists who are causing thousands of pounds worth of damage and ruining the park for the families, children, dog-walkers and other local residents who use it daily you can do something about it!

Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or go to the online Giving Information Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Not only will you be helping your community but you can also get a reward of £100 for information that leads to an arrest of any of those responsible. Don't let them get away with it...

Rewards on offer to beat drug dealers!

Nobody wants drugs being dealt on their doorstep. So UK crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers is taking action against drug dealers in Rugeley, Staffordshire, by offering rewards to those people with information on drug dealers and other criminals in the area.

The new campaign is in response to a recent survey where locals wanted to see more action taken to rid the streets of drug dealers. It aims to inform locals that they can call the charity about criminals and crimes and remain completely anonymous. That means they'll never have to go to court or even give a statement.


The campaign involves postcards being delivered to homes in the area with the message ‘drug dealers can no longer hide in Rugeley’. Posters and leaflets are also being distributed in the town’s library and welfare office.

The other great thing is that if the information Crimestoppers receives leads to someone being charged, not even convicted in court, then the caller is entitled to a reward. The cash is paid out using a code so the person giving information is never revealed.

Good work Crimestoppers for helping  to get drug dealers behind bars!

Criminals get shopped in crackdown on violence against retailers!

Crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers has joined forces with The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) to tackle violent crime against retailers in the UK.

Launched on 19 October 2010 at The Association of Convenience Stores Crime Prevention Forum, the initiative is also backed by the Home Office. The collaboration has brought together a reward fund of up to £50,000 for information that leads to a conviction in cases of serious violent crime in local shops.

Crimestoppers, with their wealth of experience (no pun intended) in paying rewards to brave members of the public who give the charity information about crime anonymously, are administering the fund.

The initiative is part of a wider commitment to raise community awareness about the violence experienced by those working in local shops and encourage greater reporting of information about retail crime.

So if you'd like to give information about this or any other type of crime call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or go to http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/ and fill in the untraceable online form.

Get shopping!

Dig-it drugs project receives National Crimebeat Award!

The team from Fearless, Crimestoppers’ youth brand, recently attended the annual National Crimebeat Awards and had the honour of presenting 3rd prize to the Dig-it Team from West Sussex.

Dig-it is a project which started in 2009 and is run by a team of dedicated volunteers. The project addresses young people’s needs for drug and alcohol information, advice and support, teaching them to form responsible choices about drugs. The volunteers have all been specially trained to help make their roles as effective as possible.

The project aims to reduce the risk of 11-24 year olds becoming victims or offenders of drug crime and also reduce the harm caused to communities when faced with drug and alcohol misuse. The project does this by hosting its own website providing information and support to those who need it. It also provides workshops to schools, colleges and youth clubs around the consequences of drug and alcohol misuse.

Over 1500 young people have benefited from or are participating in the workshops, including vulnerable young adults with learning difficulties. The scheme is supported by West Sussex Drug & Alcohol Team as well as reformed drug users who advise and share valuable experiences with participants, and Outset – a youth volunteering charity – which is helping find young volunteers to help deliver the project across West Sussex.

A well-deserved award for a very worthwhile project!

Dozy thief gets caught after taking a nap in stolen cab

A woman in Louisiana, US, made the mother and father of all criminal blunders as she stole a cab, then fell asleep in it… and was promptly arrested.

The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning as the woman demanded that the cab driver take her to Michigan, a mere 1,200 miles away! Naturally the cab driver refused, to which his passenger responded by starting to take her clothes off! The stunned cab driver thought it was best to take the woman to a police station after seeing her less than normal behaviour but, after pulling into the nearest station forgot to take his car keys with him.

The woman saw this as the perfect opportunity to steal the vehicle, so got into the driver’s seat and drove away. Stealing a cab obviously took its toll as local police confirmed that the thief only made it a few minutes down the road before parking up and falling asleep!

The woman, identified as Jennifer Gille, aged 29, was arrested and charged with stealing a vehicle and exposing herself. It goes to show that there’s never a boring day in the world of crime-fighting!

You can run but you can't hide...

So to tell you all about yet another victory in the fight against crime!

Last Friday one of Britain's most wanted fugitives was caught and arrested in the Elland area of West Yorkshire. Edward Oliver Morton had featured on crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers' website on their Most Wanted page and was known to be on-the-run from law enforcement.

He was arrested on behalf of the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) by West Yorkshire police on Friday evening after being sought for suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs. Great work everybody!

So you can run but you can't hide....

Drug dealer caught on camera by their own CCTV

Today I read about dopey drug dealer Darren Bradley, who has been jailed after he was found guilty of conspiracy to to supply cannabis.

In February this year, police raided homes and businesses connected to the drug dealer.  In the boot of his car they discovered a 16.7lb [7.6kg] stash of cannabis and at his mother's house they found a pistol and eight bullets.

Bradley claimed to have no knowledge of the cannabis - despite it being in his own car - or the gun, saying that he didn't even notice the smell of the drugs.  Mr Bradley's mother was even arrested as the gun and bullets were discovered in her house.

But police found the proof they needed to show that Bradley wasn't being truthful when they checked the drug dealer's own CCTV system. Footage from the cameras at Mr Bradley's home showed him inspecting the huge stash of cannabis, believed to be worth around £38,000.  His fingerprints were also found on the pistol and his 65-year-old mother was later released without charge.

Job done!

Tackling crime in Glasgow proves a safe bet

I'm pleased to tell you about a new initiative in Scotland that's tackling crime in Glasgow's East End. Scotland Crimestoppers have partnered up with William Hill and Strathclyde Police for the joint campaign that focuses on betting shops in Springboig.

Launched on 21 September, the campaign is aimed at ensuring that betting shops remain safe for customers and staff, prevent them from being targets for criminals and also to encourage anyone who has any information on crime to report it to Crimestoppers anonymously.
The campaign centres on the bookmaker’s betting shops in Crammond Terrace, Edinburgh Road, Tollcross Road and Westmuir Street and involves distributing leaflets and posters in the surrounding shops and houses.

As well as reminding people how they can contact Crimestoppers if they have information on crime they wish to give anonymously, the public are also reminded that people could qualify for a cash reward of up to £10,000 through the Association of British Bookmakers. Yes, you heard me right...that's 10,000 smackeroonies up for grabs!

This reward scheme makes payments to members of the public for their assistance in achieving a successful prosecution following a robbery of a betting shop(s) or an attack on betting shop staff.

If you would like to give information anonymously about a robbery at a betting shop, an attack on betting shop staff or any other crime you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or fill out our untraceable online Giving Information Form.

Play detective at murder mystery evening!

If you’ve ever fancied yourself as the next Poirot, Miss Marple or even Columbo then you should bring yourself down to Sussex Crimestoppers’ murder mystery event! The fundraising event will be held at the Hilton Brighton Metropole on 19 November to raise vital funds for the crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers.

But this won't be your usual murder mystery evening, no siree. The charity is using the expertise of its co-patrons Dame Vera Lynn (who’s one of my personal favourites from years ago) and the best selling crime novelist Peter James.

The murder mystery evening’s going to be centred around a "cold case" of Superintendent Roy Grace, the top detective from the novels of Peter James. The murder took place during World War Two so co-patron Dame Vera Lynn will be there to make sure everything is as authentic to the era as possible.

Guests can come in black tie/smart dress or they can really get into the spirit of things by dressing up in 1930/40's style dress, with a prize for the best outfits!

Tickets are £65 per person or £60 per person for a table of 10.

Dinner will include a three course "themed" menu (including a vegetarian option) and one bottle of house red and white wine per table plus coffee and mints. For those who want to dance the night away after all that detective work the ticket also includes entry to the Honey Club on Brighton seafront.

For more information go to the Sussex page of the Crimestoppers website.

Last chance to enter Philip Lawrence Awards!

If you'd like to help young people achieve their goals in a safe society then you can get behind the Philip Lawrence Award Network in 2010 just like Fearless, Crimestoppers’ brand for young people.

Entries close on 15 September so if you haven't already, make sure you get your entry in today.

The Philip Lawrence Awards Network (PLAnet) celebrates the achievements of young people who are taking a lead and making a difference in their communities. From tackling issues like bullying and racism to improving their communities, volunteering, inspiring others and having fun – all those who enter the Philip Lawrence Awards Network demonstrate that young people are a force for good.

Do you know one of this year’s winners?

If you know any groups of young people, aged 11-20, who are making a difference and deserve some recognition, we want to hear from you! Last year, ten fantastic groups were rewarded for a range of inspiring work including an anti-gangs project, a youth music festival and a play challenging homophobia.
Winners will receive an award, £1,000 to invest in their work and an invite to the glittering awards ceremony to be held in London during December.

How to enter

Visit the PLAnet website for more information and to fill in the simple nomination form. At the PLAnet website young people can also set up their own profile, allowing them to link up with hundreds of other young people who are also making a difference to their communities.

You can also get in touch with PLAnet on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Be Fearless against shoplifting!

I’m pleased to tell you that Crimestoppers volunteers and staff have been taking to the streets to inform members of the public about the anonymous service that the charity provides for people to pass on information about crime.

On 2 and 3 September, representatives from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Crimestoppers and Fearless, the charity’s brand for young people, visited Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth to speak to shoppers about the charity and its partnership with Land Securities.

Crimestoppers and commercial property company, Land Securities, have launched a pilot campaign in Portsmouth to raise awareness of the Crimestoppers charity and to address the issues related to shoplifting.

Fearless giveaways

Representatives from Fearless gave away free fearless.org draw string bags to young people and explained to shoppers about the three ways they can contact the charity anonymously with information about crime. A special Fearless poster was also designed especially for the event (see right).

Passing on information about crime

Fearless is Crimestoppers’ youth brand which introduces young people to the anonymous service provided by Crimestoppers. It consists of the website fearless.org where young people can get information about crimes that affect them. Young people can also use the website to pass on information about crime anonymously.

In addition to fearless.org, the Fearless team also provide workshops about the service in schools, youth groups and at special events.

So everyone, young and old, can be active in the fight against crime!

Volunteer’s triathlon goes swimmingly!

A huge pat on the back goes to Crimestoppers volunteer, Jo Osborn, who tackled cold winds and heavy rain in order to complete a triathlon to raise money for Sussex Crimestoppers. Months of vigorous training paid off for the charity’s volunteer, who swam, cycled and ran in the notoriously difficult event.

Jo was put through her paces as she launched into the 750m swim before heading into the 20km cycle ride and finally combating the 5km run as part of the triathlon at Dorney Lake, Berkshire. Though tackling those bad guys keeps me trim, I know even I would struggle to finish this feat of endurance…and I dread to think what it would do to my usually pristine appearance!

Before her success in the triathlon, Jo, from Hove, had kindly been donating her time to Crimestoppers as she decided to help the charity in their ongoing campaign against bogus callers and particularly those who prey on the elderly and vulnerable by conning their way into people's homes before stealing from them.

It’s great to see such a tremendous effort from someone who volunteers their time to fighting crime, well done Jo!

Sponsor Jo today at: Virgin Money Giving

See Thames Valley's Most Wanted

Thames Valley Police is the latest force to embrace Crimestoppers' Most Wanted website. The force has uploaded 60 appeals onto the site and are appealing for information on individuals who are wanted for crimes ranging from drug supply to rape to violence.

By visiting the Thames Valley page on the Crimestoppers website and calling the charity on 0800 555 111 if you have information on any of the wanted individuals, you will be helping to make your streets safer.

Below you can watch a short interview with DCI Ray Howard, Head of Thames Valley Police's Intelligence Bureau, in which he discusses Most Wanted and working with Crimestoppers.



Keep it up crimestoppers!

‘Weed out’ those criminals supplying cannabis in Scotland

I saw in the news yesterday how a staggering £3 million worth of cannabis was seized by police in Scotland. It makes Granny Robyn very pleased to see such a tremendous victory in the fight against crime! Especially as the four men found to be supplying the huge stock of cannabis are now where they belong – behind bars!

But it raises the question; where does the cannabis come from in the first place?

Well, in recent years the Scottish Police Service has uncovered a growing number of cultivations in both rural and urban areas of Scotland where cannabis is being grown on a commercial scale.

Luckily, Scotland Crimestoppers have responded to the problem by launching the national ‘Weed Them Out’ campaign. The campaign highlights the tell-tale signs to look out for to catch those people growing cannabis. It’s very important that we all keep a watchful eye out for cannabis cultivations as they are often found in residential areas.

Some of the signs to look out for are:

• The windows of the property are permanently covered from the inside, often with foil or bin bags. There may be a build up of condensation on the glass.


• Pungent smells may emanate from the premises, or excessive use of air fresheners or moth balls to disguise the aroma.
  
• Noise coming from equipment on the premises, e.g. fans or heaters.


• There may be vents coming out of the roof or rear windows.


• The cannabis or by-products, such as used fertiliser, may be removed in black bin bags, laundry bags or suitcases.


• Tenants do not live on the premises and only make short visits, daily or weekly to maintain them.


• Powerful lights on all day or night.


• Compost bags or gardening equipment may be left outside the rear of the premises.


• Visits to the premises can occur at unusual times of the day or night.

If you would like to give information anonymously about a possible cannabis cultivation or any other crime you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or fill out our untraceable online Giving Information Form.

Could you pass the beer goggle challenge?

Well, the people of Lincoln tried to do just that. The challenge involved trying to carry a tray of drinks whilst wearing ‘beer goggles’ which simulated the feeling of being drunk. Not an easy task I’m sure… but then of course I wouldn’t know. I was asked to take on the challenge but flying with beer goggles on is something I would never attempt!

The challenge was all part of a campaign run by my friends at East Midlands Crimestoppers. The Gauge Your Behaviour campaign ran from 16 July to 6 August 2010 and has been confirmed as a huge success!

In fact, the three-week criminal damage campaign reached hundreds of people in the city and reports so far show that it has led to dozens of calls from people giving anonymous information about crime in the area.

The campaign, which featured the message ‘Your night out, Your city, Your call’ also included advertising on the outside of Lincoln’s taxis and staff in the city’s pubs and bars wore the highly fashionable Gauge Your Behaviour T-shirts.

I'd say that the message that Crimestoppers tackles criminal damage has now been fully 'en-gauged!'

Be rewarded for helping to stop vandalism and robbery in Aston!

Having just returned from a fantastic summer holiday back home in Spain I am now seriously lacking in funds.

Sadly though, crime doesn’t take a holiday so I am eager to get back to tackling those bad guys.

So, when I heard that Crimestoppers have launched a campaign to tackle vandalism and robbery - with the added benefit of cash rewards for actionable information - I thought that all my problems were solved in one go!

The six-week campaign has two messages:

Name that Tag – which encourages members of the public to identify graffiti in the Aston area of Birmingham and stop vandals ruining their streets.

The second part - Cashing in on thieves – uses posters with the message '30 seconds to steal, 1 minute to call Crimestoppers.’ This highlights how quickly a thief can strike but how easy it is to call Crimestoppers anonymously with information.

Both parts of the campaign highlight the reward system in place for those people who give information to the independent charity.

So, help do your bit in the fight against crime and a cash reward could be yours!

If you would like to give information anonymously about vandalism, robbery or any other crime you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or fill out our untraceable online Giving Information Form.

Join Thames Valley Crimestoppers at open day event!

Have you ever wondered just how us crime-fighters do our job?
Well, now you can find out…and I’m not talking about watching CSI on TV! No, you can come and find out in person at the Thames Valley police open day event.
 Representatives from the independent charity Crimestoppers will be there to launch their Most Wanted website, which will be used to catch criminals wanted by police in Thames Valley.

Above: The Thames Valley Crimestoppers tent at the 2009 Open Day

There’s plenty to do at this great day out; you can have a look around the Force Museum which is packed with the history of Thames Valley Police, or meet some of the officers from the Force’s specialist departments – giving you a sneaky insight in their work behind-the-scenes.

One of the main attractions of the day is the police helicopter which will be manned by the Chiltern Air Support Unit; just take a look at this video clip of it in action!

The Roads Policing department will also be there with various vehicles and animal lovers will be pleased to see the mounted and dog sections.

So what are you waiting for? I’ve got my ticket already!

Crimestoppers launches summer drink driving campaign in Channel Islands

Drivers in Jersey are being reminded that drink driving is unacceptable as Crimestoppers in both Jersey and Guernsey launch a summer awareness campaign.

The awareness campaign also has the support of the States of Jersey Police and actor, Sean Arnold. I used to watch Sean in the detective series 'Bergerac' years ago playing the part of Inspector Crozier.

My friends at Jersey Crimestoppers have told me that so far this year, just over 100 drivers have been arrested on suspicion of drink driving and the figures from previous years show that the number of arrests climbs into several 100 year in, year out.

It's believed that there could be a hard core of people, who know drink driving is wrong, dangerous and illegal but are still prepared to take the risk, maybe because they think they won’t get caught. So Crimestoppers is taking action!

Watch the film: Don't let them get away with it.

Merseyside launches award to find top community Crimestopper

My friends at Merseyside Crimestoppers have teamed up with the newspaper Liverpool Echo to find the region's top Crimestopper.

The award aims to honour those in the community who work extra hard to make the streets a safer place, but do not always get the recognition they deserve.

This may be a Crimestoppers volunteer, someone who has raised money for Crimestoppers or any other an individual who has made a notable contribution in the fight against crime (including yours truly!)

The five winners - one from each borough of Merseyside - will be invited to a black-tie (or black cape) awards ceremony held by Merseyside Crimestoppers Awards. I’ve been told that the event will be held in October, when one overall winner will be announced.

You can nominate your top Merseyside Crimestopper by sending an e-mail to Ben Rossington at the Liverpool Echo.

The closing date for nominations is 3 September 2010 so get voting!

Chris Preddie

Chris Preddie, a member of Crimestoppers' youth team, presents workshops to young people on crime and Fearless, the charity's brand for young people. When people young and old meet Chris, they're always won over by his charisma and down to earth attitude.

I thought I'd post the below video about Chris so those who aren't still at school or college can learn more about him and see what he is up to.

Calling everyone who wants to help fight crime in Scotland!

With Scottish descendants myself, there is a place in my heart for the people of Scotland. That’s why when Scotland Crimestoppers asked me to spread the word about getting people to complete their survey, I was only too happy to help.

Scotland Crimestoppers has a short survey about public perceptions of serious organised crime that I’d like you all to fill out. It takes less than 5 minutes and you could win a prize! If you complete the survey you will go in a draw to win £100 worth of Amazon vouchers! Spread the word…

Complete the survey here.

Rest assured that the survey will help our friends at Scotland Crimestoppers in the fight against crime and you may of course win some goodies. A win-win scenario in my eyes and you don’t get many of those!

Granny Robyn

Notting Hill Carnival

Summer is now in full swing and for the capital that means Notting Hill Carnival is coming soon.

The bank holiday bash, held on Sunday, August 28, and the following day, promises to be another stunning celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture and I’ll be out dancing on the streets to add a bit of Espanole into the mix.

I’m even thinking about adding some sequence and feathers to my guise and join in to show the crowds some of my own moves. The festival even takes its name from Masquerade after all.

But while most of us will be out to have a good time, some will be looking to do us out of our belongings.

To help us keep safe, the organisers of the event have put together great pieces of advice to make sure we do what we can to reduce the risk of becoming victims.

In fact the safety section of the Notting Hill Carnival website offers some wise words for anyone heading out to a big event.

Alerting police to any unattended bags, deciding a meeting point with friends and family at the start of the day, leaving valuables at home and planning your way home before heading out to join the party are just a few of the good suggestions.

As a crime fighter myself, I think it’s important we keep our streets safe, and following these points will make sure we enjoy a few of the good things in life – food, dance and music.

There is also some crime prevention information on the Crimestoppers website to help us do what we can to keep criminals at bay.


Anyone who wants to report a crime, but does not want to talk to police, can always call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or use the secure online form on the Crimestoppers website to pass on what they know.