CRIMESTOPPERS, the crime-fighting charity, has launched a new volunteer committee for south Wiltshire, based in Salisbury, aiming to raise awareness of the 24/7 anonymous 0800 555 111 telephone number and online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

The move follows last year’s appointment of regional manager for Wiltshire, Emily Van der Lely, which has already led to an increase in campaign activity and crime information received.

Wiltshire passed on over 1,000 pieces of information to the police in the area during the last calendar year, a 19.7% increase. The new committee want to improve that even more in their bid to tackle crime across the county.

Crimestoppers works at a grassroots level across the UK helping to fight crime in local communities. Volunteers work with local law enforcement agencies, businesses and other charities to launch campaigns and events, helping to raise awareness and make communities safer places to live.

Matthew McGinn, chairman for the new Wiltshire committee, said: “Crimestoppers makes a real difference to communities. It empowers individuals to give information about criminals safely and anonymously. In the short time I’ve been involved with Crimestoppers I’ve been really impressed with the enthusiasm and professionalism of those I’ve met and I look forward to working with local people and law enforcement organisations on campaigns that really make a difference to Wiltshire.”

Emily Van Der Lely, regional manager for Crimestoppers in Wiltshire, added: “Volunteers bring energy, enthusiasm and a concern for the welfare of the local community. They also bring their own ideas and expertise which is what helps to bring about such fantastic results.

“We encourage anyone with a real interest in Crimestoppers to join us by volunteering or by becoming a charity ambassador, helping to spread the message that anyone with information on crime can report anonymously.”