We've launched a campaign to encourage Essex residents to speak up about gang-related crime on their streets   

Knives, guns, violence, drugs, sexual exploitation and theft are all issues associated with gangs

As an independent charity, we want to raise awareness among members of the public as well as encourage those with vital information to contact us anonymously. This campaign launches as part of the Essex Gangs Conference hosted by Essex Police, held in Chelmsford, to raise awareness of gang-related crime in Essex and how partners can work together to tackle these issues.  

Antonia Litten, Eastern Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said: “Those that do not want to speak with Essex Police about gang-related crime can contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously through our 24-hour number, 0800 555 111, or our secure online form.

“People often ask me why someone would not contact police if they knew about gang crimes and violence in their community, or about someone who carries a knife, or someone who was being sexually exploited by a gang. Sometimes, it can be the fear of a criminal finding out that you have gone to the police about them; it can paralyse a community.

"Crimestoppers takes information anonymously. We don’t take any personal details and we can’t trace information given online or over the phone. We give people that peace of mind.”

Stuart Rawlins, Chair of Essex Crimestoppers Volunteer Committee, added: “People should feel safe and secure in their own community. No one has anything to fear by contacting Crimestoppers, as you will remain anonymous. In the 28 years that Crimestoppers has been running, we have never broken our promise of anonymity”.

Roger Hirst, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “I am pleased to support this Crimestoppers campaign designed to raise awareness of gang activity, enabling members of the public to report suspicions anonymously and safely.  I hope this will help build an intelligence picture which will form part of a strategy of disrupting gangs, of protecting the vulnerable, and of intervening early to provide meaningful alternatives to gang life.”

How can I get involved in this campaign?

• If you have information about knife crime in Essex (or any other area), you can contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously via our secure online form.*
• Share the campaign messages and posts on Twitter and Facebook.

*Members of the public are eligible to claim a reward of up to £1,000 if their information given to Crimestoppers through the 0800 555 111 number or the Anonymous Online Form leads to a successful arrest and charge. Note: the reward will only qualify if information is passed to Crimestoppers’ 0800 555 111 number or anonymous online form. Information passed directly to police will not qualify.

About Crimestoppers

Crimestoppers plays a significant part in the fight against crime. 1,000 people contact the charity every day with information about crime, and police are able to make an average of 14 arrests per day as a result - find out more about Crimestoppers, our campaigns and our mission.