Crimestoppers Connect 2010 Summer

Promoting the achievements of Crimestoppers and its supporters ISSUE 7 // SUMMER 2010 The only charity helping to solve crimes

www.crimestoppers-uk.org

e l p o e p g n u o Y to become

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ri m e see centre pages

PAGE 8 Illegal tobacco Keep it out

PAGE 9 Making a difference

PAGE 14 Money Mules

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ISSUE 7 / / WELCOME

WELCOME WELCOME FROM MICHAEL LAURIE pAGE 2 Welcome to the Summer 2010 edition of connect.

I am delighted to say that the charity recently reached yet another key milestone, with the 100,000th arrest and charge being made as a result of information passed to us, another large number that demonstrates the impact of our work. You can read the full details on page 7.

We have continued to implement our current strategies, seeking to get them to become mainstream activity across the whole charity, reaching out to yet more people both at home and abroad.

Young people remain an important group for the charity to engage with and with the speed in which young people’s taste changes and how technology advances, we felt now was the time to reinvigorate our youth work by launching our new sub-brand Fearless. We had a successful launch at the Ministry of Sound nightclub in London and had strong support from Barry and Margret Mizen who gave a moving speech about how their lives changed after losing their son, Jimmy, to violent crime in May 2008.

Our international work continues to grow with the launch of Operation Return in the Netherlands, working with our Dutch counterparts, M. The campaign was set up following the huge success we have had in Spain with Operation Captura.

We continue to strive to find new ways to get our work noticed and to that affect, earlier this year thanks to our North West Regional Manager, two boxing stars – Ricky Hatton and Richie Woodhall – supported local campaigns.

Both boxing heroes helped knock out crime in their areas with the campaigns achieving increases in actionable information.

As our work continues to flourish and reach more individuals, I’m confident that we will continue to receive more vital information to assist law enforcement in the fight against crime.

Michael Laurie CBE Chief Executive

2 SUMMER 2010

NATIONAL NEWS

PAGES 3-9

OPERATION CAPTURA: 3 MOST WANTED CAUGHT pAGE 4

FEATURES

PAGES 10-13

YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME FEARLESS ABOUT CRIME pAGES 10-11 WORLD CHAMPION BOXERS HELP DELIVER A KO TO CRIME PAGES 12-13

FUNDRAISING & EVENTS

PAGES 14-15

CRIMESTOPPERS SKYDIVE pAGE 15

REGIONAL NEWS

PAGES 16-20

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS pAGE 16 SUSSEX’s GREATEST JAILED PAGE 19

GET CONNECTED! The next issue of connect will be published in January 2011. The deadline for articles will be 6 December 2010. Please send articles to lisa.gains@ crimestoppers-uk.org

Published by: Crimestoppers Trust, Apollo House, 66a London Road, Morden, SM4 5BE. Crimestoppers is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.

Editor: Lisa Gains Editorial Assistant: Mary Dolan Designed by: Bell

ISSUE 7 / / NATIONAL NEWS

It’s great to see this campaign working in the Netherlands.

With two cases already resolved, it will further demonstrate to the other wanted individuals hiding out in Amsterdam, that eventually they will be found.

Dave Cording, Crimestoppers’ Director of Operations

Finding fugitives

in Amsterdam Following the huge success of the Spanish fugitive campaign, Operation Captura, in March a similar initiative was launched in the Netherlands entitled Operation Return.

This is a multi-agency campaign involving the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), Crimestoppers UK, Meld Misdaad Anoniem/ ’M’ (Dutch Crimestoppers) and Netherlands law enforcement.

It aims to identify six fugitives wanted for serious crimes committed in the UK but are now known to be in and around the city of Amsterdam.

The list includes some of the UK’s most dangerous criminals wanted for crimes relating to drugs smuggling, the illegal sale of firearms, robbery, manslaughter and rape.

David Armond, International Director for SOCA, commented: “Our experience in Spain proves that these campaigns make ex-pat communities a hostile environment for UK fugitives. We have already achieved

www.crimestoppers-uk.org / / 0800 555 111

some outstanding results with our Dutch partners; this appeal aims to build on this success and ensure that the Netherlands is not seen as an easy hiding place for UK criminals.”

Five weeks after launching one of the wanted individuals was arrested. James Vincent Muldoon, born in Liverpool on 01/10/1979, was arrested on 21 April at a house in the city Amstelveen in the Netherlands. He had already been convicted of the robbery of £41,000 worth of goods from two lorries based in a haulage company depot in Grantham. The security guard of the premises was hit across his knee caps with a stick and tied up. In his absence, Muldoon had been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for robbery and three months for absconding from court on 17 April 2008 after failing to appear at an initial court hearing on 17 July 2007, when a warrant was issued for his arrest.

ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE 1988 Actionable information

1,164,772 Arrested and charged

100,256 GOODS recovered

+£113 million Drugs seized

+£190 million SUMMER 2010 3

ISSUE 7 / / NATIONAL NEWS

Ann Oakes-Odger Founder KnifeCrimes.Org

Three of Operation Captura’s most wanted men caught

Guest Comment

Closing in on ‘Costa crooks’

What does it feel like to receive the shocking news that a precious child’s life has been stolen by an act of violence? It is beyond words... grief like no other! It is a Tsunami that sweeps into the heart of the family, tearing its foundations asunder, torture in every waking moment rendering sleep impossible.

Crimestoppers and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), are once again closing in on Britain’s most wanted in the successful multi-agency campaign, Operation Captura.

Jody Flynn from Merseyside, was arrested on Friday 19 February as he attempted to enter the country from Spain at the port of Dover using an alias. Flynn, born in Birkenhead in 1981, was wanted by Merseyside Police in connection with a grievous bodily harm (GBH) offence and had been on the run for over a year.

Anthony Craggs was arrested by Dutch police in the Netherlands on Friday 23 April. Born in Sunderland in 1978, Craggs was wanted for two armed robberies using firearms, that occurred in Bournemouth and Edinburgh in 2003. A total of £90,000 was stolen as it was being delivered to two branches of the Abbey National by Securicor guards who were violently assaulted during both of the robberies. Craggs was arrested following information provided to Dutch Crimestoppers ‘M’.

Martin Smith, arrested on 7 May in Barcelona, was wanted in connection with the rape of a child under 16, gross indecency with a girl under the age of 16, indecent assault of a girl under 16 and attempted rape of a girl under 16. The attacks occurred between 1995 and 2005. Smith failed to answer his bail on 21 January 2008. He was then placed on the 10 most wanted list, which was released in September last year in Malaga.

Since Operation Captura launched, 34 of the 50 appeals have led to arrests, with many individuals now serving long prison sentences for their crimes.

To view the outstanding Captura appeals visit the Crimestoppers website: http://wanted.crimestoppers-uk.org 4 SUMMER 2010

Each issue of connect invites a guest writer to share their views on crime.

By mid afternoon of 12 September 2005 our lives changed forever when two brothers took my son Westley’s life in a mindless unprovoked ‘knife’ attack at a cash machine.

These brothers were aged 31 and 36 respectively at the time they killed Westley. They had progressed through the ranks of crime and violence without intervention. They had threatened to kill a police officer with a samurai sword only five months earlier and as their history became evident during their trial, I became convinced that this growing problem of ‘knife carrying’ needed properly highlighting, to include a long-term action plan of education and stronger strategic sentencing.

People say I’m driven and yes, following the trial of the brothers I was driven and still am to make change; to save lives; to reduce victims; to spare another family the pain of loss by creating a preventative education programme called Westley’s Weapons Awareness. I founded KnifeCrimes.Org which is a registered charity, an online knife, gun and violent gang related resource website, supporting families affected by murder and manslaughter.

KnifeCrimes.Org is responsible for putting education on the map and for the 25 year Knife Murder Review which came into effect on 3 March, 2010.

My involvement with Crimestoppers is a crucial part of this quest to reduce crime and save lives. Fearless is that clever vehicle to engage the ‘hearts and minds’ of young people to do the right thing.

The next step from Fearless is empowerment... it’s a no brainer!

ISSUE 7 / / NATIONAL NEWS

Crimestoppers tackles illegal importation of fish

Crimestoppers and the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) launched a new initiative in May to target the theft and illegal importation of fish and expensive angling equipment.

By publicising Crimestoppers’ service, it is hoped that the angling community will be encouraged to take more responsibility for their sport/ business and report illegal activity to the authorities.

In recent months there has been increasing intelligence to suggest that organised criminal groups now view the illegal importation of fish, particularly carp, as a very lucrative business opportunity with relatively low associated risks. The profit margins are often substantial, with an illegally imported 50lb carp likely to be priced in the region of twenty thousand pounds.

In a recent joint operation by Cefas’ Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) and the UK Borders Agency (UKBA) a lorry was intercepted with over 100 illegally imported live fish professionally

packaged and with a market value in excess of two-hundred and fifty thousand pounds. These fish can be purchased very cheaply from sites on the continent, but almost none can be certified as being free from the diseases controlled in the UK. Should illegally imported fish manage to reach English fisheries then once again fishery owners can also reap huge rewards by imposing high daily tariffs upon anglers who are prepared to pay over the odds

Carp is popular for illegal importation.

in order to catch larger fish than would normally be available. However, the darker side of this type of illegal activity could see entire stocks of fish literally wiped out overnight through the introduction of disease.

The partnership includes many industry organisations, including the Fish Health Inspectorate, ECHO, The Angling Trust, Cemex, and the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA).

Stuart Katon, the FHI’s Enforcement and Investigations Officer said: “We must step up our intelligence led approach towards preventing illegal activity; working closely with other agencies to target organised groups.

We very much need assistance from the angling community and I firmly believe that Crimestoppers can help us achieve this. We have already started to employ a different type of strategy towards our investigations including the use of legislative powers commonly used by police forces. We are increasing the pace in the fight against illegal importation so greedy fishery owners and others involved beware!”

London’s Most Wanted Crimestoppers and the Metropolitan Police launched London’s Most Wanted website in May to help trace wanted offenders in the capital.

London’s Most Wanted, hosted by Crimestoppers, seeks the public’s help in London, the UK and around the world, to locate people who have committed crimes but who have so far evaded capture.

Lord Ashcroft KCMG, Founder and Chair of Crimestoppers said: “We undoubtedly have one of the most exciting and vibrant capital cities in www.crimestoppers-uk.org / / 0800 555 111

the world so as a community we must take a stand against crime to help improve London even more.

Most Wanted has already proved to be a valuable tool in helping law enforcement to track down criminals, with 924 individuals from our website having been arrested in four and half years of launching. I’m confident success will be seen with London’s Most Wanted as well.”

MPS Deputy Commissioner Tim Godwin said: “We are asking the public to help us track down criminals wanted for terrible crimes, including murder, rape and robbery. While the police work tirelessly to catch people

who have committed crimes, at times our operational leads become exhausted. People living within communities can hold the key to finding them.

“The new website carries more information than ever before, allowing the public to search by crime type and where crimes have taken place. We hope that this will help to lead us to where suspects are hiding.”

Visit London’s Most Wanted at: http://londonmostwanted. crimestoppers-uk.org

SUMMER 2010 5

ISSUE 7 / / NATIONAL NEWS

s k c o n k s r e p p o t Crimes on the doors

of Distraction Burglars

Crimestoppers released a list of ten most wanted distraction burglars in January and warned people to be careful about who they let into their homes, as the traditional peak time for this crime, February – March, approached.

Crimestoppers worked with Operation Liberal, the unit which provides a national intelligence overview of distraction burglary crime, to produce the list of ten Most Wanted individuals.

Within a week of launching the campaign, two arrests were made. One of the men arrested was found to have a copy of The Sun’s article with the ten mugshots in his back pocket.

The average age of a distraction burglary victim is 81.

Violence is increasingly being used by offenders against the elderly in order to gain entry to their homes and steal their property.

Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Founder and Chair of Crimestoppers said: “Distraction burglars are clearly hideous individuals as they tend to prey on elderly, vulnerable people to rob them of life-long treasured possessions by using devious tactics and in many cases, violence. Some victims suffer a decline in health and even die as a result of the trauma caused by these criminals.”

DS Debbie King, of Operation Liberal said: “I am absolutely thrilled with the response from the public, distraction burglary is a particularly despicable crime committed by individuals who lack any moral fibre whatsoever. Following the fantastic response, police forces are continuing to add images to Crimestoppers’ Most Wanted of distraction burglary suspects. Forces are still working on some very interesting information which will, I have no doubt, bring about more arrests soon.”

Our online form goes TWO-way Users of Crimestoppers’ anonymous online form are now able to answer additional questions posed by the charity without compromising their anonymity.

Following the completion of an online form, users will be asked if they agree to a two-way exchange. If they tick yes, they go through fields asking them to add a password, select a memorable scene from a group, select a colour from a drop-down box, then send it.

6 SUMMER 2010

There remains no facility to identify the IP address used and therefore their report is as anonymous as our existing online reports.

By asking users additional questions, Crimestoppers is able to ensure that as many online forms as possible are actionable and contain information that can be passed on to law enforcement.

With nearly 3000 users already having registered to use the two-way system, it is proving popular.

ISSUE 7 / / NATIONAL NEWS

UK Anti-Doping signs-up to Inte grity Line UK Anti-Doping has launched its Report Doping in Sport line powered by Crimestoppers’ com mercial brand, the Integrity Lin e.

Lord Ashcroft KCMG, Founder and Chair of Crimestoppers said: “As a crime-fighting charity, Crimestoppers is proud to extend its service to organisations who want to take a proactive approach to fight crime and wrongdoing within their industry. Over the past 22 years Crimestoppers has proved its success in tackling crime, so by using our anonymous service, UK Anti-Doping are taking a robust approach in the fight against doping to help further improve sport in our country.”

The Report Doping in Sport line is a new service for athletes, support personnel or concerned family and friends to pass on information about the use, supply or trafficking of doping substances.

By dialling 0800 032 2332, callers will be able to speak to dedicated Integrity Line call handlers trained in anti-doping.

UK Anti-Doping Chief Executive, Andy Parkinson said: “To protect our athletes we need to tackle the supply and trafficking of doping substances.

The most effective way for us to do this is with the help of athletes,

coaches and support personnel as they are the closest people to sport. We are urging people to come forward with any information on doping, no matter how insignificant they might feel it is.

The smallest amount of information could be the missing link that enables us to take action and protect sport from those who want to cheat.”

100,000th arrest from Crimestoppers information One of the most significant milestones for the charity was celebrated in June, as anonymous information passed to Crimestoppers has led to the arrest and charge of 100,000 criminals since the charity was formed in 1988. The 100,000th arrest was of a man for burglary in Durham.

Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Founder and Chair of Crimestoppers, said: “Reaching this milestone shows the vital role Crimestoppers plays in the fight against crime and in making our country’s streets and communities safer. Many criminals would never have been caught without Crimestoppers.

“When I set up the charity more than 20 years ago, I wanted to empower the man – and woman – in the street with the means to hit back against criminals they could see were ruining our society - but without any risk of the informant being identified by those they were targeting. Anonymity for those providing information to the police has been the key to our success.

www.crimestoppers-uk.org / / 0800 555 111

“These landmark figures are testimony to the way that the public has embraced Crimestoppers, and they are the result of an amazing amount of hard work from everyone associated with the charity. I am immensely proud of what Crimestoppers has achieved.”

Sir Hugh Orde, President of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), said: “This milestone is testament to the valuable contribution that Crimestoppers has made over more than two decades in assisting the police to bring offenders to justice.

“Their appeals make a tangible difference to policing by allowing those with critical information to pass it on to the police anonymously.”

For over two decades Crimestoppers has received anonymous information via 0800 555 111 and www.crimestoppers-uk.org leading to:

21

people currently being arrested and charged every day.

887

people being charged with murder/attempted murder since 1988.

27 1

cases are cleared up everyday.

9

person every days is charged with murder.

Of the 100,000 arrests and charges, over 9200 have been made in both Greater Manchester and London.

Last year (2009/10) was Crimestoppers’ most successful with 7474 arrests and charges being made, over 2000 higher than ten years ago.

SUMMER 2010 7

ISSUE 7 / / NATIONAL NEWS

Illegal Tobacco ///Keep it Out \\\ Case studies Armed Robbery Crimestoppers received a call in which a member of a gang of active armed robbers was identified.

This information enabled the police to mount an operation whereby members of the gang were kept under observation and subsequently arrested as they attempted another robbery, armed with hammers and firearms.

South East January 2010

Child Abuse A call was received by Crimestoppers in response to an appeal for information placed in a local newspaper article concerning a child abuse case. The information was passed to the police and, following an investigation, the named suspect has been charged with a sexual offence.

West Midlands January 2010

Drug Manufacture and Cultivation Anonymous information provided

by Crimestoppers helped police to identify a property where cannabis was being grown. When searched, £250,000 worth of cannabis plants were discovered. As a result of Crimestoppers information, the perpetrator was arrested and charged with involvement in the production of controlled drugs and other offences.

North West April 2010

8 SUMMER 2010

Selling cheap illegal tobacco can be viewed as a victimless crime by some, but it isn’t. Illegal tobacco can bring crime into our communities and makes it easier for people – especially children and young people – to start smoking and keep smoking, and leaves a huge hole in the country’s finances.

Illegal cigarettes and tobacco are usually sold at half or even a third of the price in legitimate retailers and a wide range of locations such as the workplace, pubs, private houses and even from ice cream vans.

Most people, even smokers, want something done about it. In a recent YouGov survey three-quarters of those who took part supported tougher sentences for tobacco smugglers.

And nearly nine out of 10 people wanted a crackdown on those who are selling to children.

So Crimestoppers is supporting the Illegal Tobacco Keep it out campaign in the North of England, which has some of the most deprived areas and highest smoking rates in the country.

The campaign aims to encourage people to contact Crimestoppers if they have information about illegal trading in their area.

Cheap smuggled and fake tobacco is often linked to other crimes such as the sale of illegal alcohol, drugs, and even people trafficking and terrorism internationally.

Dave Cording, Crimestoppers’ Director of Operations said: “It’s important the public are aware of the associated dangers that come with illegal tobacco, to help them understand more fully why action is needed to tackle this crime. As people become more informed about illegal tobacco

we hope they will be encouraged to pass on any information they may have about it.”

David Wiggins, the campaign’s Programme Manager, said: “Smoking is still the country’s biggest killer by a long way, and half of long-term smokers will die from a smoking related disease.

“We know that most smokers want to give up smoking but their quit attempts are really undermined if somebody offers them a cheap supply of tobacco. It’s also really worrying that children are being targeted by unscrupulous dealers who don’t care what they sell and who they sell to. We’d urge people to help us to tackle this insidious trade by passing information to Crimestoppers or speaking to their local trading standards department.”

The team behind the North of England campaign brings together police forces and trading standards officers, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, and health representatives. They’re committed to reducing the supply of and demand for illegal tobacco.

Their enforcement efforts are being supported by a publicity campaign featuring posters, radio ads, a website www.get-some-answers.co.uk and street teams asking the public to help stamp out the trade.

ISSUE 7 / / NATIONAL NEWS

Chris (far left) with MC Doctor (second right) at Fearless launch in April.

e c n e r e f if d a g in k a M

to young people’s lives Chris Preddie first joined the charity as a Community Champion. Three years on, Chris is now a part-time member of staff working as a Youth Projects Assistant with the Fearless team.

Engaging with young people can be challenging for many individuals and organisations, but with Chris combining his own life experiences, training and passion for performing arts, getting himself heard by young people comes naturally.

Here Chris talks about what motivates him to continue working directly with young people.

“My job is to deliver workshops in prisons, youth groups, schools and pupil referral units. I also do mentoring one to one, building up relationships, pushing the kids in the right direction. We talk through their future, look at their CVs and I take them out to museums, art galleries, trying to open their minds to other possibilities and letting them know they’ve got a choice to do what they want to do, which brings it back to what Fearless is all about – making the right choices for a safer and better future.

“What I love about my job is seeing the difference it makes to young people, they inspire me to carry on doing what I’m doing. In one school I gave a workshop at, I then went back two months later and a boy had been caught with drugs and scales. The school had bought me back in to talk him about it and why he was doing it. I’ve now heard the boy has really turned himself around and is doing an apprenticeship at a relative’s garage and has really been applying himself at school.

“Within a week I’ve seen a difference the workshops can make. I saw one boy on a Tuesday at an assembly where I performed, he was known to be fairly naughty, with a bad attitude, head hung low, and wore his trousers really low as www.crimestoppers-uk.org / / 0800 555 111

some of them do! But by the Friday, his teachers had asked what I’d said to him as his attitude had improved and his trousers were pulled up with a belt!

“Through my Facebook page, as I’ve been giving workshops the number of page fans has increased and I’m getting more questions from young people asking for advice. It’s good that they can still contact me after the workshops to continue to ask for help on topics like how they can get out of a gang.

What I love about my job is seeing the difference it makes to young people, they inspire me to carry on doing what I’m doing.

“Since January this year, the Fearless team has reached over 4000 young people. It’s been good to see so many kids, I feel like I’m learning from young people every day, it’s so refreshing. I get to work with a variety of young people everyday from different backgrounds, areas, ages, who all have different views and perceptions of the world, it can be so different from area to area as well, how kids in Croydon think about crime issues could be completely different to how they do in Barnet.

“And I’m now able to go out to other regions around the UK and have already visited Birmingham and Reading.

I’ve also been to Sussex where we demonstrated a workshop at the committee’s seminar that was attended by local businesses and organisations, so it was great to educate adults about young people and youth crime as well.”

SUMMER 2010 9

ISSUE 7 / / FEATURE WELCOME

e m o c e b o t e l Young peop

a bou t c

rime

Young people in the UK have been asked to be Fearless in the fight against crime using the charity’s new service for young people.

Fearless is the new youth brand that introduces young people to the service provided by Crimestoppers. It consists of the website, fearless.org, where young people can get information about crimes that affect them and also gives them the opportunity to pass on information about crime anonymously. The Fearless team also provides workshops about the service in schools and youth groups.

The national launch event for Fearless was held in April at the Ministry of Sound nightclub in London with performances by young people, the grime artist MC Doctor and a speech by Barry and Margaret Mizen who lost their son Jimmy, to violent crime in May 2008.

Dave Cording, Crimestoppers’ Director of Operations said: “It’s vital that the charity has a modern and fresh image to keep up-to-date with the tastes of young people and it’s also important to keep up-todate with technology. We appointed a professional brand and design consultancy who tested ideas on focus groups of 11 – 16-year-olds from across the country, with their feedback informing the process of producing our new youth brand. It was young people who also came up with the name Fearless.”

10 SUMMER 2010

Barry Mizen said: “I can’t emphasise enough how vital a service such as Fearless is. Young people can be worried about reporting crime to the police for fear of being found out, so it’s great that there is another way for them to pass on information about crime anonymously so no one will ever find out who they are. As a parent, I would urge other parents and those who work with young people to let them know about Fearless in case they hold information about crime and need somewhere safe to pass it on.”

MC Doctor said: “I grew up on an estate in South East London, where there was some gun and knife crime so I know how bad it is. I was lucky because I was focused on my music and I knew that’s what I wanted to do. But so many young people have died because of crime and it shouldn’t be like that.

I want young people to know that they don’t have to choose that way of life. I think Fearless is a really good service because young people need to know that there’s somewhere they can get advice on crimes and pass on information without anyone finding out who they are.”

ISSUE 7 / / REGIONAL NEWS ISSUE 7 / / FEATURE

www.fearless.org

launch ss e l r a e F n Asto lent a t l a c o l s e showcas West Midlands Crimestoppers held an ‘Aston’s got Talent’ competition at The Drum theatre in Aston.

The event was well attended by members of the community as local school children performed and presented artwork on drug crimes and how Crimestoppers can help.

Across the country Crimestoppers’ regional committees have been taking the fearless brand to the young people in their communities.

It was great to see young people at the event be so creative in portraying the Crimestoppers message and educating the older generation in the audience about the charity. This is a real achievement because young people are one of the most important audiences for Crimestoppers, but they haven’t always understood or been willing to interact with the charity.

Mubina Khan, Aston Pride Coordinator for Crimestoppers

Gloucesters

hire

Gloucestershire Crimestoppers’ youth and community event was supported by the Mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor Anne Regan and former Gloucester rugby player Chris Raymond who is now involved in youth sport in the county. The committee focused on raising awareness of Fearless amongst those working with young people. Fearless materials were sent to the Head teachers of 42 secondary schools and youth workers throughout the county, highlighting the teacher resource that is available on the website. www.crimestoppers-uk.org www.crimestoppers-uk.org / / 0800 / / 0800 555 111 555 111

Celebrating Youth in Lancashire The world famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom played host to Lancashire Crimestoppers’ launch for their Celebrating Youth event to showcase the talents of young people in the area.

The event was packed with a variety of performances from schools and colleges in the famous seaside town to suit many musical tastes – choirs, rock, solos, dance, gospel and conga.

Display stands from local groups, such as The Windmill Youth Development Group, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and national organisations, such as the Princes Trust were also present.

SUMMER 2010 11

ISSUE 7 / / FEATURE

s r e x o b n o i p m a World Ch help deliver a KO to crime Sporting stars remain some of the most significant role models for people of all ages, so gaining their support can really help campaigns to get noticed by the public and media.

Crimestoppers was fortunate to have recently gained valuable support from world champion boxers – Ricky Hatton and Richie Woodhall – who backed two local Crimestoppers campaigns.

They gave up their time to conduct media interviews and participate in photo shoots to help get the campaigns noticed by the public in the hope that they would take on board what the boxing heroes had to say about fighting crime.

Gary Murray, Crimestoppers’ North West Regional Manager said: “It is brilliant to have Ricky and Richie supporting the charity. They are both

great role models in and out of the ring, always showing tremendous courage. The response from the public and the support of the local media has been brilliant, clearly showing the popularity of both boxing heroes.

“It’s clear from the fact that both campaigns led to increases in actionable information, that the public really listened to Ricky and Richie and took on board how important it is for people to play a part in helping to make their communities safer by passing on information they may have about crime. For many in the community it takes a lot of courage to contact Crimestoppers, but I’m

hopeful the public will follow Ricky and Richie’s lead and help us to continue fighting crime.

“It can be challenging getting the support of high profile individuals as they are invariably extremely busy people, with varying demands on them and getting asked to participate in so many activities.

So to be able to have the support of two sporting champions was an honour and we are extremely grateful to them both for generously donating so much time to help our work reach more people in the local communities.”

It is great that the public have really got behind the campaign and that they want to make a difference to the community. By supporting Crimestoppers we are taking the fight to the criminals.

Richie Woodhall 12 SUMMER 2010

ISSUE 7 / / FEATURE

Richie Woodhall Richie Woodhall joined the anti-drugs campaign in Telford which highlighted how burglaries, robberies, and other serious crimes are often fuelled by the drugs trade.

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

Richie said: “Throughout my career I have received great support from people in Telford and now I would like them to support me again as we seek to make our communities safer and better places to bring up our kids.”

The campaign featured a radio advertisement, literature delivered to every home in Telford, eight taxis carrying the campaign message and a large advan. The anti-drugs campaign was funded by the Criminal Justice Service through the Community Cashback programme.

The campaign achieved a 60 per cent increase in actionable information in Telford during March and April.

Ricky Hatton Ricky Hatton joined forces with Greater Manchester Crimestoppers for their Fight Crime campaign in January which started in Ricky’s home town of Tameside and then extended throughout Greater Manchester over the weeks that followed. The Fight Crime campaign involved radio advertisements, Bluetooth messaging, community events, posters and mailing to households.

Ricky said: “So many people suffer as a result of the activities of criminals.

Being a Manchester lad I have always tried to give back to my local community and make a difference.

I would encourage local people to have the courage to fight crime without revealing their identity by contacting Crimestoppers.”

The three-month campaign achieved nearly a 50 per cent increase in actionable information in Tameside compared to the previous three months. There was also a similar increase in the two neighbouring areas of Oldham and Stockport which would have been reached by the radio campaign and local media activity.

I would encourage local people to have the courage to fight crime without revealing their identity by contacting Crimestoppers.

Ricky Hatton

www.crimestoppers-uk.org / / 0800 555 111

SUMMER 2010 13

ISSUE 7 / / FUNDRAISING AND EVENTS

£

£ £ Money Mules £

With funding provided by one of the charity’s National Strategic Partners, Lloyds Banking Group, Crimestoppers joined forces with three UK universities to raise awareness of money mules.

Money mules are individuals who unknowingly become part of a criminal activity which targets unsuspecting members of the public to act as money launderers.

The campaign was aimed at the student population, who are known to be especially vulnerable and targeted by criminals for this crime type.

Over a six week period, posters and viral emails were distributed, reaching over 50,000 students.

The viral email was sent to students through their university.

It was modelled on ones that are sent by fraudsters, giving a very vague outline of a job on offer and filled with grammatical mistakes. Students who were fooled into believing this was a real job opportunity then followed the link to the Euro Link Jobs website. Anyone logging on to the site soon sees it is a façade and they are instead alerted to the serious consequences of becoming a money mule, including a closed bank account, adverse credit rating and even a criminal record.

Do you know a scam when you see it? Check out www.eurolinkjobs.com 14 SUMMER 2010

becomes associate partner Crimestoppers is proud to announce that international banking giant, HSBC, has joined the charity as an associate partner.

Through HSBC’s valued support, the charity can offer its crime-fighting influence and experience and together, the partnership will aim to reduce crime in the banking industry.

Through the partnership, which began earlier this year, HSBC is showing its staff and customers that it is an organisation which is serious about reducing crime.

In the future, Crimestoppers and HSBC will be developing a number of campaigns, focusing on crimes that affect the banking industry. In joining Crimestoppers, HSBC is demonstrating its corporate responsibility to ensure a safe environment in which customers can bank and staff can work.

Annual dinner at New Scotland Yard raises tens of thousands This year’s annual fundraising dinner at New Scotland Yard was attended by a host of high profile police officers, the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), a variety of national corporate partners, members of the fire and security association and the then shadow home secretary Chris Grayling MP.

Crime author Andy McNab and Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police Service, Sir Paul Stephenson, generously gave their time to make speeches during the event, at which £44,370 was pledged to the charity.

A huge thank you must go to the evening’s sponsors, the Kelly Group, who are one of Crimestoppers’ corporate partners.

help How YOU can

mestoppers ri C to n o ti a n o To make a d r log on to o 0 0 2 3 4 5 2 8 contact 020 rs-uk.org e p p o t s e m ri .c www

WWW.CLICK ANDJUMP.CO .UK

ISSUE 7 / / FUNDRAISING AND EVENTS

Crimestoppers runner breaks record in London marathon Raising money for Crimestoppers in this year’s London marathon was police officer Jill Christie, 27, from Brentford, west London. Dressed as Superwoman, Jill won the accolade of the fastest woman dressed as a superhero in this year’s race, achieving the outstanding time of 3 hours 8 minutes and 55 seconds.

Jill said: “I first attempted the record in 2009 but injury meant I narrowly missed out on breaking it, so it’s an incredible feeling to finally hold the world record a year later. It’s taken many months and hours of rigorous training but it’s completely worth it, particularly as the money raised goes to the charity Crimestoppers. As a policewoman I know how valuable the anonymous information the public gives Crimestoppers is in solving crimes.”

Over 37,000 runners took to the streets of London for the 26.2 mile course on 25 April, 27 of which ran for Crimestoppers raising over £24,000 for the charity.

FINISH TIME

3hrs 8mins 55secs

Anita Croker (far left) with family members.

P.CO.UK

JUM WWW.CLICKAND

Crimestoppers skydive in memory of murdered teenager A family member of a murdered Bristol teenager, bravely set up a sponsored sky dive over Salisbury Plain to raise money for Crimestoppers and to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime amongst young people.

Anita Croker, whose nephew Shevon Wilson was aged just 17 when he was fatally stabbed in September 2009, took part in a 13,000ft skydive with nine other members of his family at the Netheravon Airfield Camp on 30 May. The event raised over £1000 for Fearless.

Anita said: “I wanted to organise an event in memory of Shevon, who died at the age of 17 years as a result of a violent knife attack.

I approached Crimestoppers as they are a registered charity who work with young people to deter them from becoming involved in knife crime. I decided it would be a perfect opportunity to donate the proceeds from our skydive to Fearless and help the fight towards preventing another young, innocent person losing their life.

“Everyone enjoyed the jump on the day, though there were a few nerves as we boarded the plane. It truly is an exhilarating feeling to be 13,000ft in the air with just a parachute to keep you safe. The whole day was a fantastic experience that raised money for a very worthy cause.”

Gordon Chisholm, Crimestoppers’ West Country Regional Representative said: “I am so pleased that Shevon’s family decided to support the vital work undertaken by Crimestoppers and more specifically our youth brand, Fearless. Our youth team work tirelessly to teach young people about the risks associated with knife crime and as a charity, such donations are fundamental to maintain this essential work.”

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ISSUE 7 / / REGIONAL NEWS

By going out and actually meeting local commuters we are highlighting the need to protect our personal property and teaching the public about the important service that Sue Langley, Crimestoppers’ East Midlands Regional Manager Crimestoppers provides.

D East Midlands Crimestoppers

East Midlands Action Days give commuters the Crimestoppers message Crimestoppers volunteers in the East Midlands met morning rush-hour commuters to make them aware of the need to protect their personal property and the importance of providing Crimestoppers with information about crimes in their Action Day campaign.

The action days were held at railway stations across the region, including Leicester, Loughborough, Derby and Nottingham during May. Activities included Crimestoppers volunteers distributing leaflets and interacting with commuters to highlight these important messages.

Mobile advans and taxis also travelled the streets to raise awareness of the

charity. The activities were supported by the Home Office and involved working closely with Derby Community Partnership, The Safer Leicestershire Partnership, Nottingham Crime and Drugs Partnership and local police forces.

Sue Langley, Crimestoppers’ East Midlands Regional Manager said: “The Action Day campaign has taught the people of Leicester, Loughborough,

D Crimestoppers Honoured

Mobile advan raising awareness of personal robbery.

Derby and Nottingham valuable lessons about keeping their property safe. A huge thank you must go to all those volunteers who were involved in the campaign. By going out and actually meeting local commuters we are highlighting the need to protect our personal property and teaching the public about the important service that Crimestoppers provides.”

Queen’s birthday honours for Crimestoppers volunteers Four Crimestoppers volunteers were recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

Husband and wife, Keith and Florence Tomlinson received MBEs for all their hard work with charities and in the community over the past 20 years. They have been long standing and active volunteers on the Lancashire Crimestoppers committee and the local Police Liaison Committee. The couple have dedicated most of their retired life to giving back to their community.

Florence said: “Everything we do, we do together. My husband is disabled and uses two sticks to get around.

So it is all about working together in whatever we do.

16 SUMMER 2010

We each had a letter to say we had been nominated but you don’t know you have got it until the list of the awards comes out. We’ve been told that getting an MBE together is quite unusual.”

Catherine Crawford from London Crimestoppers and Marion Lewis from Leicestershire Crimestoppers both received OBEs. Crimestoppers’ Chief Executive, Michael Laurie, CBE said: “Huge congratulations to all four of our volunteers who have been recognised in the latest honours list.

We are very proud to have such high calibre people volunteering their time and skills to help undertake vital work for the charity.”

ISSUE 7 / / REGIONAL NEWS

Fifty per cent of calls to us are drug related and this related to 129 arrests with a drug street value of £230,000 being recovered in Wales between Terry Flynn, Chair of Wales Crimestoppers October and December last year.

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D Wales Crimestoppers

Residents reassured by Essex Crimestoppers’ advice Essex Crimestoppers worked alongside police, probation officers, firemen and women and drug and alcohol outreach workers in a collaborative effort to educate local residents about personal safety.

The event took place in Central Park in Chelmsford following a spate of serious incidents in the area. These included a vicious attack on a man who was badly beaten and thrown in the River Chelmer and the rape of a young woman who was accosted by two men in the area.

Essex Crimestoppers responded to the concerns of the community by taking part in the event, which aimed to educate members of the public about staying safe and what to do if they would like to give information about crime anonymously.

D London Crimestoppers

London Crimestoppers salute police bravery London Crimestoppers celebrated their annual dinner in style at the Haberdashers’ Hall in central London in April.

Assistant Commissioner Frank Armstrong, City of London Police (left) with award winner Ian Kellaway, City of London Police.

During the evening, Police Recognition Awards were presented to five Police Officers from the Metropolitan Police Service and City of London Police who had gone beyond the call of duty in acting upon information provided anonymously through Crimestoppers.

A silent auction at the dinner raised £4850 for the charity. www.crimestoppers-uk.org / / 0800 555 111

The event was hosted by Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, Sir Paul Stephenson and the Assistant Commissioner of the City of London Police, Frank Armstrong. Guests included the Deputy Mayors of London, Kit Malthouse and Richard Barnes amongst others.

Wales Crim

estoppers

l aunch drug

crime campa ig n in Pem brokeshire

Wales Crimestoppers teamed up with Arriva Trains Wales to urge people to report drug crime in Pembrokeshire as part of a campaign in May. Terry Flynn, Chair of Wales Crimestoppers said: “Fifty per cent of calls to us are drug related and this related to 129 arrests with a drug street value of £230,000 being recovered in Wales between October and December last year.”

Crimestoppers posters with the message, ‘Someone near you could become the victim of drug dealers – don’t let them gamble with lives’ were displayed at train stations across the county in support of the multi-agency campaign, Operation Poker. The campaign is aimed at reducing the negative effects of drug use upon communities in Wales.

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ISSUE 7 / / REGIONAL NEWS

The Cleveland Youth Board is famous across the charity as a fantastic example of the power of young people acting in a positive and passionate way to fight crime.

Dave Hunter, Crimestoppers’ North East Regional Manager D Cleveland Crimestoppers

Members of the youth committee spreading the Fearless message.

Cleveland Crimestoppers has made history by launching the charity’s first Youth Committee.

D Scotland Crimestoppers

Regional sub-committees launched in Scotland Scotland Crimestoppers has formed three new volunteer sub-committees: Dumfries & Galloway, Strathclyde and Lothian & Borders.

The launch of the sub-committees has been part of a three year plan which will eventually see the formation of eight sub-committees that correspond with the eight police forces in Scotland. Six have already been launched with a further two sub-committees for Central and Fife currently being planned.

Having sub-committees throughout Scotland will enable the charity to further improve local links with communities across the country.

18 SUMMER 2010

First Crimestoppers Youth Committee launched in Cleveland The Youth Committee, comprising of students from Teesside University, has already made an impact. The committee has run a successful beermat campaign in association with the Cleveland Police Authority and Teesside University and participated in the regional Fearless launch. One of the key aspects of the launch included publicising the youth brand’s website

fearless.org, by interacting with shoppers in The Mall shopping centre in Middlesbrough, handing out branded leaflets and wallets to members of the public.

Additionally, the committee worked hard to distribute thousands of leaflets to members of the community in order to promote the anonymous service Crimestoppers provides.

D North East Crimestoppers

North East Crimestoppers

divides to provide local service

Three new volunteer committees have been launched in the North East: Durham, Cleveland and Northumbria.

The committees have been formed as part of a five-year charity strategy in which Crimestoppers is to create more local committees based on police force areas and counties.

It also enables the charity to have more local contact and therefore greater relevance to stakeholders, partners and importantly, to funders and supporters.

The scheme is bringing a number of advantages. It enables increased volunteering by giving a more local focus and making it possible, in practical terms, for individuals to participate fully.

While making it more convenient for members at local level, this system also provides a flexible structure where committees can collaborate on occasion to produce joint campaigns and activities.

ISSUE 7 / / REGIONAL NEWS

It was an innovative way to raise vital funds and to highlight the importance of this crime-fighting charity.

Peter James, Sussex Crimestoppers Co-Patron

D Sussex Crimestoppers

Sussex’s greatest jailed for Crimestoppers Fifteen high-profile individuals from Sussex were ‘jailed and bailed’ as part of a fundraising event in February for Sussex Crimestoppers and the Old Police Cells museum, where the event was hosted.

Internees were from a wide range of local organisations and included: Sussex Crimestoppers Co-Patron and crime novelist Peter James; Chief Constable of Sussex Police, Martin Richards and Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club’s Chief Executive, Martin Perry. The participants generously donated themselves to be arrested on trumped up charges and jailed in the old cells in the museum where they remained incarcerated until they had each raised a substantial amount of bail money for their release.

The trumped up charges included Martin Richards charged ‘for having too arresting a presence’ and Peter James charged for ‘sartorial misdemeanours’.

Peter James said: “As Co-Patron of Sussex Crimestoppers, Jail and Bail was a great fundraising event to be involved with. It was an innovative way to raise vital funds and to highlight the importance of this crime-fighting charity that helps our communities become safer places to live.”

The event raised around £14,000 for Crimestoppers and the Sussex Police Cells Museum Society.

www.crimestoppers-uk.org / / 0800 555 111

Police documents for trumped up charges.

Peter James’ new novel, Dead Like You, is the sixth novel in his popular Roy Grace series.

In Dead Like You, a woman is raped after a New Year’s Eve ball at a smart hotel in Brighton, and the perpetrator takes her shoes. Detective Superintendent Roy Grace starts to wonder if there might be a connection with an unsolved case he worked on, as a young DS, 12 years ago. The story features Crimestoppers in several places by highlighting the role of the charity – how information can assist investigations, one character attending a Crimestoppers fundraising event and characters encouraging people to pass on information e You to Crimestoppers anonymously.

Dead Lik now. is on sale SUMMER 2010 19

ISSUE 7 / / REGIONAL NEWS

Northern Ireland Crimestoppers launched an imaginative campaign to raise awareness of the hotline number through adapting the popular sudoku puzzle.

D Northern Ireland Crimestoppers

Solving puzzles to solve crime Northern Ireland Crimestoppers launched an imaginative campaign to raise awareness of the hotline number through adapting the popular Sudoku puzzle.

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A competition was run in partnership with the Alpha Newspaper Group and readers were asked to use the digits contained within the 0800 555 111 telephone number to complete a Sudoku grid for the chance to win an iPod touch.

Susan Brew, Crimestoppers’ Northern Ireland Regional Manager said: “Regular Sudoku players would probably find it easier than their normal level but the competition was to encourage everyone to join in.”

FIGHT CRIME WITHOUT REVEALING YOUR IDENTITY Donate your phone to help raise funds for a charity that helps fight crime and make communities safer.

crimestoppers-uk.org