Successful community programme leads to increase in crime reporting

Photo credit: The BBC – Karen MacDonald (left) and Krystal Keely from Unique Voice. We are proud that our What Would You Do? (WWYD) community programme, a collaboration between our charity and social enterprise Unique Voice, to encourage people to speak up, stay safe and prevent crime in Plymouth and surrounding areas, has led to an increase in crime reporting locally (as reported by the BBC).

In its 10^th year, the WWYD initiative allows primary school children to participate in six weeks of creative workshops, where they learn about topics, such as County Lines, gang culture, hate crime and the importance of community cohesion through the message of reporting anonymously to our charity.
 
The young people then take to the stage to showcase their learning in a performance for their parents and carers, as a way to encourage all people to report crime.
 

“It is the first programme of its kind. Young people are taught to look at how they can make their community a safer and better place, to help them make an informed “choice” when faced with difficult challenges or decisions.
 
“We know that many children, parents and carers are aware of crimes happening around them and who is responsible, but they will not go to the police with that information. Crimestoppers is here for anyone who feels unable to speak directly to the police. As we’re independent, we offer a safe and secure option when reporting crime.”

Karen MacDonald, Crimestoppers West Country Regional Manager

Crimestoppers, and our youth service Fearless, are independent of the police. You can contact us 100% anonymously to pass on information at any time by completing a safe and secure online form on our Crimestoppers site or via Fearless.org for young people. Alternatively call our UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 at any time.