THE number of people in Devon and Cornwall who contacted Crimestoppers during the past year has increased by moe than 25 per cent.

The independent charity runs a UK contact centre, staffed by professionals. It guarantees that all callers or those who use the non-traceable online form remain 100 per cent anonymous.

Last year the total number of pieces of information about crime in Devon and Cornwall received by Crimestoppers rose from 2,197 to 2,984. The largest share of information relates to drug offences and trafficking.

There was also a rise in the number of people using the non-traceable online form. Last year the charity received 1,147 contacts online and 993 verbally, compared to 848 and 851 respectively in the previous year.

Chair of Devon and Cornwall Crimestoppers, Mike Fowkes, said: “This is a fantastic result for Crimestoppers in Devon and Cornwall. As an independent charity, we play a vital role in helping to make our communities safer.

“Those who, for whatever reason, feel uncomfortable talking to the police, can speak up about crime whilst remaining totally anonymous.

“These figures show that more and more people are turning to Crimestoppers, especially online, to help tackle crime in our communities.”

To report crime, call our national contact centre on 0800 555 111 or use the non-traceable online reporting form at: www.crimestoppers-uk.org .

More information about Crimestoppers in Devon and Cornwall can be found at: www.crimestoppers-uk.org and clicking on “In Your Area”.

Alan Quick