Preventing violence and keeping people safe

Passing on information to organisations such as Crimestoppers or Fearless can not only help after a crime or incident, but vitally stop something from happening.

This could mean that someone can be saved from being hurt, or helped before they commit a crime and end up in the criminal justice system.

The police care about young people and would always prefer to prevent crime rather than have to detect it as this means something has happened to someone. They never want to see a young person hurt or in trouble if it can be prevented. They will always help if a young person feels threatened, frightened or they think they are at risk of harm.

Fearless is part of the Crimestoppers charity. Both are 100 per cent anonymous and totally independent of the police.

They never ask your name, they cannot trace your call or any electronic device such as your phone or computer and no one ever knows that you’ve passed on information.

Vital information could include:

• Information about who is drug dealing in the area – even if it’s just a suspicion.
• People you believe are involved in a gang or organised crime.
• Information about gang activity – especially if there’s the threat of imminent violence or retaliation.
• People you suspect are asking young people to do things in return for money, clothes, phones or other items.
• People who you believe may be carrying knives or weapons.
• Any information about a situation where someone is being sexually exploited or coerced.
• Young people who keep going missing and can’t or won’t account for where they’ve been.
• Phone numbers, people, cars, locations or weapons that you believe are or have been involved in crime.
• Young people who are worried, scared or upset or who have injuries that they are being secretive about.
• Websites or social media sites where evidence of crimes is being shown – offering sales of drugs or weapons, violent acts or the incitement of violence.

If you have information or you’re worried about your own safety or the safety of a friend or family member – speak up.

You can contact your local policing team or you can call 101 and ask to speak to your local police force.

If you don’t want to speak to police then contact either Crimestoppers or Fearless.

You can also find advice about different crime types and read about the possible consequences of getting caught up in the law.