Speaking up about neighbourhood crime
Robbery, theft, and burglary harm communities and have a long-lasting impact on their victims. People not only suffer from the loss of their possessions, the invasion of privacy and violation of personal space, but some may experience emotional distress or be left with physical injuries.
Local crimes can stigmatise the community, creating negative perceptions of safety both within and outside the area. This intensifies feelings of fear and concern and adds to the trauma, both for the victim and for the people around them.
Victims of crime may experience long-term adverse effects, from feelings of strong emotions to physical effects including a lack of sleep or falling ill. For some, the trauma can force them to change their ordinary daily routines, out of fear of repeat victimisation.
If you have witnessed an incident of robbery, theft, or burglary, or have information about a crime, tell Crimestoppers and remain 100% anonymous.
CALL FREE ON 0800 555 111 OR CLICK HERE TO FILL IN OUR ONLINE FORM
The Office for National Statistics' Crime Survey for England and Wales tells us that in 2023, levels of robbery rose by 13%, theft increased by 18%, and burglary declined by just 1%.
Crimes like these shatters lives, leaving victims traumatised, injured, and heartbroken. They devastate communities, inflict economic harm, and breed insecurity in public spaces and homes.
Additionally, criminal activity fuels vast enterprises, trapping individuals in destructive cycles that harm both themselves and society at large.
If you have information about someone committing crimes, you can tell us 100% anonymously. Our guarantee of anonymity empowers you to speak up, safe in the knowledge no one will ever know you did.
CALL FREE ON 0800 555 111 OR CLICK HERE TO FILL IN OUR ONLINE FORM
Theft, robbery, and burglary all involve unlawfully taking someone else's belongings – however, each crime corresponds to a distinct type of criminal behaviour:
Means taking someone's property, but does not involve the use of force.
It's easy to forget to keep an eye on your handbag, wallet, mobile phone or purse when out and about - and thieves are always on the look-out for new opportunities.
For more information on signs to spot and how to protect your belongings from thieves, click here for our dedicated Keeping Safe page.
A type of theft, involving stealing from a person using force or making them think force will be used.
When someone uses threatening language and behaviour to take something from someone else by force.
When someone illegally enters a property in order to steal from it.
Burglars often monitor properties they target; in these cases, their crime is pre-planned and likely to be based on perceived value of goods inside the home. They will illegally enter the home when there is least activity indoors, and take valuables and personal belongings.
For more information on signs to spot and how to stay vigilant, click here for our dedicated Keeping Safe burglary page.
If you are witnessing a robbery, or any other crime, in progress, then immediately call the police on 999.
If you have information on someone committing these crimes, then tell us 100% anonymously by calling 0800 555 111, or click here to fill in our online form.
Have you seen something crime-related on your street? Perhaps it’s unsettling you, maybe you know what you’ve seen is crime-related - or it could just seem suspicious. Burglaries and theft don’t just cost you money, they can be very upsetting too.
You might have witnessed a robbery in a public space, on a high street, in a bar, or on public transport. If you have information that could help identify the criminal(s), you can help solve crimes and prevent further crimes by speaking up about what you know.
We’ve kept our promise of anonymity since we were founded in 1988.
Together, we can keep communities safe.
If you are or have been a victim of any of these crimes:
- In an emergency, always dial 999.
- If it’s not an emergency, you can contact the police on 101.
- Victim Support can support you if you have been a victim of crime, to help you cope with the effects of crime or a traumatic event. They also champion victims’ rights, ensuring their needs are met in the criminal justice system. You can contact them online, or on 08 08 16 89 111.