No one need ever know you've made that call (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

No one need ever know you've made that call

AD FEATURE: CRIMESTOPPERS Week runs from Monday until next Sunday. Crimestoppers is the national hotline system which empowers members of the public to do something about criminals operating in their midst.

It is also a vital tool in the fight against anti-social behaviour.

According to Home Office figures, a crime is committed every second, and the fear of crime is one of the major anxieties suffered by the population.

Crimestoppers is the only charity involved in helping to solve crime across the UK.

It is not part of the police of the Government, but an independent organisation which allows the public to play a very important and proactive role in tackling crime in their local area.

Members of the public can safely call Crimestoppers anonymously with information regarding criminals or crimes they may have witnessed in their community, without the fear of being traced.

This anonymous information is then passed onto the police.

The line is effective, with about 20 people per day being arrested as a result of tip-offs from Crimestoppers.

In addition, last year calls to the line resulted in more than £20m-worth of property being recovered, along with more than £30m-worth of illegal drugs.

This year during Crime-stoppers Week, the organisation is highlighting a cam- paign against knives and bladed items generally, with the support of the Home Office.

Although not widespread throughout the UK, knife crime is a serious problem in many of Britain's urban communities.

Crimestoppers aims to raise awareness and ultimately reduce knife crime by and against young people.

According to Crimestop-pers, young people sometimes carry knives because they think doing so is 'cool'.

In fact, by carrying knives they often expose themselves to the risk of becoming knife crime victims in turn.

The Home Office says 35 percent of those aged 10-15 have been the victim of at least one crime along the lines of assault, robbery or theft.

Crimestoppers can be called at no charge on (0800) 555 111.

Young people, many of whom are reluctant to risk being exposed publicly as a 'snitch', can call in safety and anonymity and help to get knives and knife crime off our streets.