The charity Crimestoppers is celebrating the first birthday of its Most Wanted website by highlighting its achievements in a publicity campaign and offering exclusive prizes in a new competition on-line. The targeted advertising campaign through radio, TV and online media, will highlight the considerable successes already achieved by the website – with 24 arrests made since launch, and encourage even more members of the public to get involved and help solve crime. Visitors to the site can also play a new "ID” game and enter a competition to win a choice of exclusive prizes - either a visit to the set of ITV1's The Bill* or a private tour of New Scotland Yard's Crime Museum, which is not normally open to the public.
The Most Wanted website www.mostwanted-uk.org, sponsored by leading home security manufacturer Micromark is the only national online source of suspected criminals wanted by the police. The technical development of Most Wanted was funded by Lord Ashcroft, KCMG Chairman of Trustees and founder of Crimestoppers UK. On the site, the public can safely help to fight crime by viewing photos, CCTV footage and descriptions of suspects online. If they recognise anyone, they can then contact the police, or if they wish to remain anonymous, complete an online form or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
With 32 police forces and government agencies signed up to the website and regularly providing appeals, the public's opportunity to help solve crimes has never been greater. Before Most Wanted, Crimestoppers' website received an average of 30,000 hits per month, but Most Wanted has made a huge impact with the public, with the site now attracting 2-3 million hits a month on average.
Mick Laurie, Crimestoppers CEO said: "We are delighted with the high level of interest in Most Wanted from the general public, the police and the media. Most Wanted is a vital tool to help the police and law enforcement agencies, find people who are wanted by the police. Together we can all play a part in helping to fight crime and the public can help to make our communities safer. They can give us information safely about anyone they recognise on Most Wanted anonymously, using our online form or calling 0800 555 111."
Julie Dommett from Micromark comments: "Thanks to excellent public support, Most Wanted has already been a great success. Micromark are proud to sponsor "Most Wanted”, believing it will continue to be an invaluable tool to help solve crime”.
About Crimestoppers
Crimestoppers: Crimestoppers is the only charity dedicated to solving crimes and taking criminals off the streets. Around 17 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person is charged with murder every week, as a result of information given to Crimestoppers.
Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, we have had over 850,000 calls. There have been over 75,000 arrests, over £95m property has been recovered and over £130m worth of drugs has been seized.
Crimestoppers UK was founded by Lord Ashcroft KCMG, Chairman of Trustees. In1988 he launched the Community Action Trust (CAT) in the Metropolitan Police area. CAT was renamed Crimestoppers in 1995 and required a three-way partnership between the business community, the police and the media.
About Micromark
Micromark is the UK's leading domestic CCTV brand. Micromark have lead the way in making CCTV systems more accessible to the majority of people, by investing in research and development to create quality CCTV systems at a price people can afford. Micromark was awarded the Queen's Award for Innovation in 2004 for its work on CCTV.
The crime museum has exhibits and information on famous crimes and criminals, including notorious murderers. It is currently used as an educational facility for the police and forensic scientists. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see real artefacts in person and hear the real stories behind some famous crimes.
*ITV1's The Bill is the recent winner of the Inside Soap Awards. The awards are given to reward good storylines and performances. The Bill received lots of praise particularly for its live episodes which are always full of nail-biting drama. A visit to the set will give the winner an insight into how this popular programme is made.
Competition terms and conditions The competition runs from 17 November – 17th January 2007. This draw is open to residents of the UK, 18 years and over, except employees of Crimestoppers and their families. Only one entry is allowed per person. No purchase necessary. There are two prizes to give away – one visit to the Bill set for two people and a visit to the Crime Museum for one person. The winner will be the first entry drawn at random on 18th January 2007. The winner will be notified on 26th January 2007. To request details of the winner, write to Michele Harris, PR & Marketing Manager, Crimestoppers, Apollo House, 66A London Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 5BE.
