Crime Stoppers wants to thank the hidden heroes of Victoria for coming forward with information, leading to an incredible 1.5 million reports.
Currently, someone contacts Crime Stoppers every five minutes to share information about unsolved crimes or suspicious activity. Each month Crime Stoppers continues to grow, with over 12,000 reports received in March alone.
Chief Executive Stella Smith expressed gratitude to the community, “We know it takes courage to come forward and speak up, anonymously or not, and we should be very proud of the people who help make our community safer.”
Crime Stoppers Victoria was launched in 1987 and as many would remember, often using reenactments of crimes to encourage people to come forward with information. In 2018, almost 31 years later, the organisation celebrated receiving 1 million reports.
Since then, community reporting has experienced tremendous growth, with a further 500,000 reports submitted in just over 5 years. This growth is testament to the community’s trust in Crime Stoppers and willingness to actively participate in crime prevention efforts.
“Crime Stoppers continues to grow thanks to the unwavering support of the Victorian public. People now have a greater understanding of the issues facing the community and feel empowered to come forward and tell us what they know.
“They really are the heroes of Victoria. So, this is our opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has given information, no matter if it was big or small,” Ms Smith said.”
Information to Crime Stoppers Victoria has resulted in over 29,000 arrests and the seizure of over $427 million of drugs, property and cash.
Ms Smith explained the evolution of Crime Stoppers, with the ability to now report online shifting the way people share information. “We have gone from showing people crime through reenactments, to the public showing us what they have seen. This is often through their mobiles, dashcam and security camera footage.”
It has given a new generation of Victorians a safe and convenient way to share what they know. “People want to make a difference and play their part in solving crime. They can do just that by sharing information with Crime Stoppers,” explained Ms Smith.”
Victoria Police, Chief Commissioner Shane Patton shared, “Day in, day out, police officers are solving crimes and bringing offenders to account thanks to the resolve of the Victorian community which wants to play its part in keeping all of us safe.
“The sheer number of people who are picking up the phone or jumping online to report crimes and tell us what they have seen or heard is testament to the trust people have in the Crime Stoppers service.
“I thank every Victorian who has taken the time to report a crime, and I congratulate Crime Stoppers for the amazing contribution they are making to policing and community safety here in Victoria.”
Crime Stoppers Victoria encourages anyone with information about crime to come forward and make a difference. Reports can be made anonymously on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Media Contact
For an interview with Crime Stoppers Victoria Chief Executive, Stella Smith please call 0437 796 241, or email [email protected].