What a year 2023 has been for Crime Stoppers and the Victorian community!
Our aim is to keep Victoria safe and the community is at the heart of everything we do.
In the last 12 months we have seen incredible levels of engagement, with an impressive 105,301 calls and online reports.
These achievements are only possible with support from the media, police, government and our many important partners. Of course, no-one is more important than the 1.4 million Victorians who have contacted Crime Stoppers since we commenced in 1987.
On behalf of the team at Crime Stoppers Victoria, I would like to thank you for your support throughout 2023 and to wish you a safe and happy Christmas.
Crime Stoppers Victoria Chief Executive, Stella Smith.
2023 Campaigns
Cut The Violence – Youth Knife Crime Campaign
The voices of young people were heard loud and clear in the Cut the Violence campaign which was one of the biggest collaborative efforts in Crime Stoppers history. Co-designed with 40 students from St Albans Secondary College and Scoresby Secondary College across eight weeks, this campaign addressed the dire risks and consequences of picking up a knife.
You Light It, You Own It – Bushfire Prevention Campaign
Everyone in the community is being urged to think before they act as part of this campaign in a bid to prevent potential bushfires this summer. The ‘You Light It, You Own It’ campaign reinforces the message of taking ownership of any fire – even if you started it accidentally or recklessly. Before lighting a fire this summer, ask yourself this – If the fire gets away from you, could you control it? If the answer is no – don’t light it.
Stop. Look. Live – Pedestrian Safety Campaign
Did you know that children and elderly pedestrians are at the highest risk of major incidents? Crime Stoppers used this information to create targeted education resources and engagement activities at schools, libraries and more. The ‘Stop. Look. Live.’ pedestrian safety campaign, successfully reinforced pedestrian safety habits and received excellent media coverage.
Online Safety Series – BankVic
The threat to the Victorian community by hackers, scammers and others looking to steal money is greater than ever. Crime Stoppers Victoria has continued its partnership with BankVic to help protect Victorians, their information, and finances. Throughout the year we shared articles on a number of scams affecting the community. Stay tuned for a compelling two-part podcast on financial abuse, along with a podcast on investment and cryptocurrency with BankVic and Equity Mates. Crime Stoppers Victoria looks forward to continuing its partnership with BankVic and releasing content together to help protect the community.
Coercive control and gaslighting podcast – With Victoria Police
Following an eye opening podcast with Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway on financial abuse, Crime Stoppers Victoria was keen to further explore the topic. In the second podcast, ‘Coercive Control’, A.C Callaway shared valuable insights to those who may be in a toxic relationship. These podcasts demonstrate the constantly changing face of traditional family violence and coercive control. We’d like to thank A.C Callaway for her contribution to Crime Stoppers during 2023.
Community Engagement
Community Engagement is a priority for Crime Stoppers Victoria. This year we participated in more than 200 community events across Victoria and continued to focus on reaching diverse communities and young people. Skate Learn Connect, a program of free skateboarding lessons for 12-24 year olds, provided opportunities to connect with local youth employment and training services. This program was expanded to include the football-based Kick Learn Connect sessions.
The Royal Melbourne Show was a highlight of our year, were we had the opportunity to talk to thousands of Victorians from both regional and metro areas.
Awards
Crime Stoppers Victoria was thrilled and humbled to come away with not one, but three prestigious awards from Crime Stoppers International for our outstanding work in 2022.
Crime Stoppers Victoria received the following awards:
Digital Marketing Award for “Don’t Buy In”
Television Award for “Road Safety”
Print Award for “You’ve Been Checked”
