Crime Stoppers are saying thanks to Victoria’s hidden heroes for coming forward with 1.5 million reports of crime or suspicious activity.
Currently, someone contacts Crime Stoppers every five minutes to share information with over 12,000 reports received in March alone.
Crime Stoppers chief executive Stella Smith expressed gratitude to the community.
“We know it takes courage to come forward and speak up, anonymously or not, and we should be very proud of the people who help make our community safer,” Ms Smith said.
Crime Stoppers Victoria was launched in 1987 and as many would remember, often used reenactments of crimes to encourage people to come forward with information.
In 2018, almost 31 years later, the organisation celebrated receiving 1 million reports.
Since then, community reporting has experienced tremendous growth, with a further 500,000 reports submitted in just over 5 years.
Information to Crime Stoppers Victoria has resulted in over 29,000 arrests and the seizure of over $427 million of drugs, property and cash.
Ms Smith explained the evolution of Crime Stoppers, with the ability to now report online shifting the way people share information.
“We have gone from showing people crime through reenactments, to the public showing us what they have seen. This is often through their mobiles, dashcam and security camera footage.”
Victoria Police, Chief Commissioner Shane Patton also paid tribute to Crime Stoppers and the community members who contribute to it.
“The sheer number of people who are picking up the phone or jumping online to report crimes and tell us what they have seen or heard is testament to the trust people have in the Crime Stoppers service,” Chief Commissioner Patton said.
Crime Stoppers Victoria encourages anyone with information about crime to come contact them on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.
