New Multi-language Crimestoppers Line Launched in Derbyshire

The independent charity Crimestoppers launched a new campaign appealing for information in Derbyshire with the aim of uniting communities against crime in the county as we approach the New Year.

Derbyshire received 2,400 reports on criminal activity in the year 2016 / 2017, which gave information on 2,744 crimes.  This was an increase of 20% on the previous year. By the end of December 2017, Derbyshire had received 1,940 reports, which demonstrates that people are using and do need the service.

Now, with funding support from Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Hardyal Dhindsa, Crimestoppers, which runs an anonymous service, wants to make local people aware that the charity has a facility that allows for information to be passed in over 150 languages. For those that call us, we can have a translator on the other end of the phone within a couple of minutes.

The hope is that with the charity able to communicate with even more people, that together, we can help cut crime in Derbyshire even further.

Lydia Patsalides, East Midlands Regional Manager for the charity Crimestoppers said: “There are some people who have information about crime, but feel that they don’t have anywhere or anyone to turn to.

“I feel it’s really important that the people of Derbyshire, no matter their background and no matter the language they speak, have a voice and can speak about concerns about crime in their community.

“We do not judge or ask any personal details from those that contact us. All we want is the information they have. They will remain 100% anonymous. Always.

“We’re grateful for the support we have received from Hardyal Dhindsa in funding this campaign and we hope it can have a positive impact on helping to reduce crime in the county.

“In over 30 years, our charity has always kept its promise of anonymity to everyone who contacts us.”

Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa said: “Crimestoppers approached us for help from my Community Action Grant and I was pleased to support their proposal.  People should feel confident to report crimes to the police, but if not then please use Crimestoppers to ensure that information about criminality is passed on one way or another.

“The best information about crime always comes from members of the community and I hope to see an increase in reporting as a result.  More information leads to more crimes being solved and more offenders brought to justice for their actions.  That is what we all want to see.”

If you have information on a crime in Derbyshire then please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through our Anonymous Online Form at crimestoppers-uk.org/give-info.