Our campaign to help reduce crime in build-up to Appleby Horse Fair, Cumbria

We've launched a campaign to encourage the public to contact us, 100% anonymously, if they have information on those who may be intending to attend Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria with the intention of committing criminal offences.

Whilst the overwhelming majority of visitors to the town during the fair are law-abiding, as with any gathering of such size, there are criminal elements.

The Fair takes place in early June and is the largest gathering of Gypsies and Travellers in Europe, regularly drawing thousands of visitors to the small Cumbrian town. 

“The 249th Appleby Horse Fair will attract visitors from across the UK, who travel to meet up with family and friends and enjoy the spectacle of the gathering.

“However, we know that as with other large-scale events there may be those attending who may be planning to take part in illegal activities. Our campaign is to encourage those who know about these pre-planned activities to contact us anonymously using our quick and easy online reporting form or by phone on 0800 555 111.

“The information we receive and pass on to law enforcement and the RSPCA is to make Appleby Fair safer for everyone.

“This year we have received over 222,000 reports of crime from across Cumbria, and in 37 years we have never revealed the identity of anyone who has contacted us.”

Gary Murray, Crimestoppers' North West Regional Manager 

You can report crime 100% anonymously, here on our website by filling in a secure anonymous online form - or call our 24/7 UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111, 365 days of the year. 

Give information anonymously

Please note: Computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted Crimestoppers. For telephone calls, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and the charity has never traced a call.

 29 May 2025