Your call can hold the key

WHEN it comes to detecting crime, all information, no matter how irrelevant it may appear at first, is treated like gold-dust.

The most innocuous scrap of intelligence may provide a vital clue that pulls an entire investigation together.

But, unfortunately, one of the biggest barriers the police find themselves up against is getting information out of the public.

Even though they might hold the key to a horrific incident, many people just don't want to get involved with the police or the subsequent investigation.

Many are scared of retaliation, others are fearful of being made to give evidence in court.

For the last 15 years, however, members of the public have been helping to bring culprits to justice without revealing any details about themselves.

The Crimestoppers hotline was set up in 1988 by an independent charity to allow residents to give the police information about crimes in their community in complete confidence.

Informants are not required to give names or addresses, and calls cannot be traced.

Over the years, information from Crimestoppers has helped detectives catch hundreds of criminals who might otherwise have fallen through the net.

National Crimestoppers Week, which runs until Sunday is aimed at raising the profile of this crucial crime-fighting tool.

Superintendent Richard Rowland, of Swindon police, explained what the hotline meant to his officers.

He said: "Information is our lifeblood. We really rely on information from the public, and unless we get their help our lives are very difficulty.

"Even if the information does not result in an arrest, it can help us build a bigger picture."

As part of this week's publicity campaign, Wiltshire Constabulary has produced a range of postcards and beer mats featuring the slogan 'Do You Hold The Missing Piece?'

Calls are free, and there may be a reward.

Any information about any crimes, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111