Crime charity looks to volunteers

The independent charity encourages people to contact it directly with anonymous information about crime and criminals.

Last year in West Yorkshire more than 700 crimes were solved through these anonymous tips and the new volunteer group hopes to raise the figure through campaigns.

West Yorkshire Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison has welcomed the increased local activity.

The new West Yorkshire Crimestoppers chairman, media entrepreneur, Peter Harkness, introduced eight of his new volunteers at a launch meeting. More are being recruited.

Mr Harkness said: “We would all urge people to think first of contacting the police direct, but I realise that contacting the police can be a rather daunting task for people who may be afraid that they may have to give evidence in court or criminals would find out who they are.

“For these people Crimestoppers provides a totally confidential way to make sure the crucial information gets to the police anonymously.

“Calls to Crimestoppers in West Yorkshire are already very high – last year almost 7,000 calls and about one in 10 directly helped to clear up a crime. That is impressive but our objective now is to increase the number of calls even more.”

Committee members include Huddersfield-based financial businesswoman and author Jo Haigh and Karen Harrison, of Wakefield District Development Agency

Sir Norman said: “This is all about local people focusing on and recognising local issues and I am delighted to see that people are prepared to connect with West Yorkshire Police to engage in the Crimestoppers opportunities.”

Crimestoppers can be reached on 0800 555 111.