A NEW campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the Wiltshire crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers, which is being backed by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The campaign to boost the awareness of Crimestoppers is seeing radio adverts, social media appeals, posters and leaflets being sent out to the public to encourage people to use the anonymous service to report crime.

Mr Macpherson said: “The splendid thing about Crimestoppers is that, whilst proudly protecting its independence, it is able to work so effectively with police to help stop the crime that hurts individuals, families and communities. And it does that through one golden promise: anonymity.

“It’s a pledge that allowed vulnerable individuals and communities to stand against crime without fear of intimidation.”

The charity has passed more than 1,000 pieces of information to Wiltshire Police in the last year, never disclosing the identity of the people who make the reports.

“Crimestoppers is able to reach communities that the police have traditionally found hard to engage with,” added Mr Macpherson.

“Some harmful offences are hidden from view. They include modern slavery and the organised drugs trade. Crimestoppers can provide our detectives and other specialists with important insights about these hidden offences, whilst preserving its independent charity status at all times- and the victims’ anonymity.”

A new volunteer committee has been set up by the charity, intending to increase the flow of information to help Wiltshire Police tackle and prevent crime.

Matt McGinn, volunteer chairman of the new Wiltshire committee, said: “In the short time I’ve been involved with Crimestoppers I have been really impressed with the enthusiasm and professionalism of those I’ve met and I look forward to working with local people and law enforcement organisations on campaigns that really make a difference to Wiltshire.”

Anyone interested in becoming part of Crimestoppers as a volunteer can learn more from the charity’s website- www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Emily van der Lely, regional manager for Crimestoppers in Wiltshire, said: “Volunteers bring energy, enthusiasm and a concern for the welfare of the local community. They also bring their own ideas and expertise which is what helps to bring about such fantastic results.

“We encourage anyone with a real interest in Crimestoppers to join us by volunteering or by becoming a Charity Ambassador, helping to spread the message that anyone with information on crime can report anonymously.”