Help catch the Most Wanted distraction burglars in the UK!

As you know, in my line of work I'm apposed to any form of crime...but there are some offenders that really are the lowest of the low. Distraction burglars trick their way into people's homes - often targeting the elderly and vulnerable who live alone - to steal from them.

Distraction burglars take advantage of the people who trust them and enter people's properties on the premise of 'reading the meter' or telling the victim they urgently need 'repairs' to their roof, which they can provide. 

Burglaries traditionally peak during February, so to help catch the worst offenders of distraction burglary and to warn members of the public about who they let in their homes, crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers has launched the Top Ten Most Wanted Distraction Burglars campaign.

Some of these individuals have not only stolen money and possessions from elderly people - some of whom were over 90 years of age - but they've traumatised them further by launching violent attacks on them because they know the victims can't fend for themselves. 

You can make a real difference by looking at the images and descriptions of the top ten Most Wanted distraction burglars and giving any information you have anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through the untraceable online form.

Remember, calls aren't recorded, your number won't be identified and you'll never have to go to court.

View the top ten Most Wanted distraction burglars here

Crime-fighting charity celebrates Chinese New Year!

Just as I've fully recovered from all the festivities of Christmas and the New Year and got back into the crime-fighting routine, along comes...the Chinese New Year! Perfect timing for another celebration!
 

The Chinese New Year is celebrated on 3 February 2011 and marking the start of the Year of the Rabbit are Gloucestershire Crimestoppers, who will be holding a fundraising dinner to celebrate the occasion and raise money for the crime-fighting charity.

Everyone's invited to the celebration so if you want to back Crimestoppers in the region get involved and buy your tickets today!  The money raised certainly goes to a good cause - figures show that between April and December 2010, Crimestoppers received 664 pieces of useful information about crime in Gloucestershire. The information covered crime types ranging from drug dealing to money laundering to assault to drink driving. In addition, nearly £14,000 worth of drugs and over £2,500 of stolen goods have been recovered in the last nine months.  Great work guys!

For more information and to buy your tickets see the Gloucestershire pages of the Crimestoppers website.

Crimestoppers offers 10k reward to catch those responsible for architect Joanna Yeates' murder

Crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers has offered a reward of £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the death of landscape architect Joanna Yeates.

Joanna Yeates' body was found in Longwood Lane, Bristol, by a couple out walking their dog on Christmas Day. Post mortem tests revealed that she was strangled.

4x4 sighting

Police are appealing for any information people may have about Miss Yeates' disapearance.  A 4x4 was seen near to where Miss Yeates' body was found in Failand, near Bristol, which may hold clues. 

Police now believe the landscape architect returned to her Clifton home safely on 17 December - the night she was last seen alive. Any information from those last hours or days could be vital, so if you have any information contact Crimestoppers anonymously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Facebook campaign

On 4 January, Avon and Somerset Police launched a campaign on Facebook encouraging people to come forward with information about Joanna Yeates' death. The campaign involves an advert being shown on the site that will allow people to contact the force's incident room via the social networking site.

£10,000 Crimestoppers reward

To give information anonymously about this or any other crime call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or fill out the untraceable online Giving Information Form. Remember though peeps, only information passed to Crimestoppers will be eligible to receive the £10,000 reward offered by the charity.

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 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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

Five places left for the Royal Parks Half Marathon

As a superhero, I have to keep myself in tip-top condition to make sure I’m at my best to catch criminals.
There’s no such thing as off-duty in this business, so I’m always keeping a watchful eye when I’m out for a run on the streets and through the parks where I live.

To push myself even further, I’m thinking about entering a half marathon before setting my sights even higher and take on a full marathon.

I’ve begun my training and already caught the bug  - once you get into the habit, it can become addictive and it’s a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors.

For many, the events can also help supporters fundraise for charities and that includes Crimestoppers.
Like all good causes, it needs cash to help it continue its work.

Among the events Crimestoppers is championing is the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday, October 10. Crimestoppers is offering guaranteed places for the day, which will take joggers through just over 13 miles of London parks, leading them past Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, through to Marble Arch and past the Royal Albert Hall.

Those up for the challenge need to pay £20 to cover their registration fee and pledge to raise at least £300.
In return, Crimestoppers will pass on a fundraising pack jammed full of tips and materials to help them gather sponsorship, access to a dedicated team who will offer help and advice and even an enthusiastic cheering squad to help drive them along the route on the day.

Runners also get an exclusive vest to pull on for the run too.

The support is also on offer to anyone who runs on behalf of the charity, with gold bonded places also available for the London Marathon in April next year. Perhaps that could be my second victory?

Would you like to run Royal Parks? Crimestoppers only has five places left so if you want one then email the Crimestoppers events team at events@crimestoppers-uk.org or give Jess a call on 020 8254 3200.

Snow helps police catch burglars

My fellow crime crackers were hot on the trail of a pair of thieves who left an icy trail in their wake.

Eagle-eyed police were knocking on the door of the burglars after they followed bicycle tracks left in the frost back in February, with Leicester Crown Court seeing justice was done last week after the men both admitted the break in.

One was given a 12- month detention order and the other a year in jail.

The court was told stolen property, including sentimental items, were recovered after the men got into the bungalow by smashing a window.

A neighbour alerted police to the incident when he heard the burglar alarm of the house set off and spotted two men riding off together on one bike.

Their willingness to help, courage to call and caring nature undoubtedly helped officers in their investigation.
But anyone who sees a crime being committed or knows of illegal dealings need not fear if they are too frightened to call police.

Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 or information can be passed on through a secure online form.

It could really make a difference.

The Crimestoppers website also has some handy pointers on how to avoid becoming a victim of burglary, which is especially useful at this time of year when some of us are looking forward to jetting off for a break.

Operation INFRA-RED

I am a firm believer that law enforcement do the best job they can to track down criminals. That said, sometimes crooks manage to evade capture by moving countries or going into hiding. It's in times like these that you come in - the eyes and ears of people on the streets can prove invaluable in tracking down wanted fugitives.

Interpol know this better than anyone. Today they have launched Operation INFRA-RED, a campaign that aims to track down 26 wanted criminals on the run across the globe.

You may ask "What type of crime do you have to commit to have your name put on a global wanted list?" 

"A very, very serious one," is my answer. 

The people wanted under Operation INFRA-RED are wanted for crimes ranging from murder, to sex offences, to gang and drug crime. These are the kind of people that come with a warning message: If seen, do not approach.  

Crime Stoppers International is supporting Operation INFRA-RED and you can view images of the 19 wanted individuals with European links on the Most Wanted section of the Crimestoppers website. You can see images of all 26 people wanted under the campaign on Interpol's website.

If you have any information on the wanted individuals, be sure to get in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or filling out our secure online form. Alternatively, you can email Interpol at fugitive@interpol.int

A summer of football

The World Cup is finally kicking off and I couldn't be more excited. I look forward to the World Cup, it's a great excuse to meet with the boys down the pub or at the park to kick a ball around.

Unfortunately my duties as a superhero sometimes get in the way of football fun. Some football fans get too worked up and violent about games and take the fun out of what should be friendly competition.

You might remember the Chelsea and Cardiff supporters that got out of hand after a game in February this year. About 200 fans fought on Kings Road, Chelsea. Safety cones and even bricks were thrown during the fight, which resulted in several injured police officers.  One even needed facial surgery. Incidents like this take the focus away from the game - what we are all really passionate about in the first place.

There are photos of some of those wanted in connection with the Chelsea v Cardiff fighting on Crimestoppers' Most Wanted website. Check out the Most Wanted website and see if you recognise any of those featured. If you have information call the Crimestoppers hotline anonymously on 0800 555 111 or pass on information using our secure online form.

I hope you all enjoy what's undoubtedly going to be a summer of football. I know I will, especially if everyone behaves.

Something's fishy

In the little free time I have I enjoy fishing with my fellow superheroes. There is no better way to relax than to hang out by the lake and catch some fish. Unfortunately due to the illegal activity going on with fish being brought into the UK, I may have to stop relaxing and start fighting crime at my local fishing spot.

According to the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), organised criminal groups have been illegally importing fish, specifically carp, in order to make a large profit. A 50lb carp can be worth around £20k!

Shipments of live fish have been picked up at UK borders. If these illegally imported fish reach our fisheries it can cause a lot of harm. The fisheries can charge more money to fish, because their customers have a higher chance of catching a huge (illegally imported) fish. At the same time though, the imported fish could contain unknown diseases and kill the local fish.

With the start of summer and warm weather, I know I want to be able to enjoy some nice summer days fishing. For all you other fishers out there, I know you can relate. We have to help put a stop to these criminals before our summer fun and fish stocks are ruined!

If you have any information about the illegal importing of fish, or about the theft of angling equipment, please help protect the angling community by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by filling in a secure online form.

London's Most Wanted

Facebook, Twitter, Delicious... I'm a bit of a nosy person and I love social networking websites because they allow me to keep up to date with what's going on around me in a simple way.

For the same reason, I'm a big fan of the new London's Most Wanted website that launched today. It allows you to look through over 100 appeals of wanted individuals from London. You can even filter them by borough and crime type. I didn't just look through the appeals in my borough though; I checked out all of the boroughs I visit regularly, just to make sure I'm not sitting on the bus every day next to a wanted crim.

London's Most Wanted is a joint project between the Metropolitan Police and the charity Crimestoppers. Appeals are uploaded by the Met and the site itself is hosted by Crimestoppers. An ideal match some (such as myself!) would say.

Since launching not even 24 hours ago the site has already had more than 30,000 visitors. What a great result for a worthwhile project like this one.

If you haven't already, make sure you check out London's Most Wanted. You can also read more about the project on the Crimestoppers website.

Richie Woodhall supports Crimestoppers

World Champion boxer Richie Woodhall has joined forces with Crimestoppers to encourage people in Telford to support their community by passing on information to Crimestoppers anonymously.

Richie launched his Fight Crime campaign at a press conference at the Telford Ice Rink, where he won his World Championship belt.

You might remember me blogging previously about Ricky Hatton and his crime campaign in Greater Manchester. It's great that within the past few months the Crimestoppers charity has had two very talented and inspiring individuals front campaigns.

Of the new campaign, Richie said: “So many people suffer as a result of the activities of criminals. I would encourage local people to have the courage and fight crime without revealing their identity by contacting Crimestoppers.”

Taxis with Richie's face and crime message on them (just like the one on the left) are going to all around the streets of Telford. If you see one, take a photo and send it in! I'd love to see one in action.

Easter treats and crime prevention

Happy Easter!

I hope you're all having a great long weekend so far.

The Easter bunny has been kind but cheeky to me this year. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate Toy Story and all, but giving me a Buzz Lightyear chocolate (right) when I asked for Batman Reese's Pieces hardly seems fair.

If you're heading away any time over the Easter break, remember to read the home security tips on the Crimestoppers website. I find it easier to relax knowing my house is secure while I'm away.

Happy holidays and keep fighting-crime.