In May 2008, the SIA sponsored the web site of charity Crimestoppers (www.crimestoppers-uk.org) for a three month period. So successful was that arrangement the Regulator has now decided to extend its support until 1 January next year.
Since the SIA’s sponsorship began, there has been a 100% increase in the number of actionable calls received detailing information relating to the SIA (and this doesn’t include calls taken by regional centres whose statistics are not yet available).
The SIA advertisement on the Crimestoppers web site has also encouraged a shift from people phoning in to online reporting. Across a three-month period, there was an average of 16 click-throughs per day as a direct result of this promotion.
Information, information, information
The reports received by the SIA include information on security officers operating without an SIA licence, doormen attempting to work on the doors when their licence has been revoked, unlicensed wheel clampers and an SIA licence holder who had a recent conviction.
Speaking about the sponsorship renewal, SIA chief executive Michael Wilson said: “Crimestoppers has very quickly become our most important source of intelligence reporting from members of the public. As an intelligence-led Regulator, the SIA depends fundamentally on good, reliable information and we’ve been delighted with the volume and quality of intelligence received through Crimestoppers. We are glad to enter into a further commitment to the charity, and to build on the excellent partnership we have already established.”
View from Crimestoppers
Michael Laurie CBE, the chief executive of Crimestoppers, commented: “The sponsorship of our web site has to be of mutual benefit to both parties. Our partnership with the SIA is the perfect example of that goal being realised. The 100% increase in actionable calls has exceeded all expectations, and we very much hope that the continuation of the sponsorship will see yet more quality intelligence coming through over the next four months.”
Crimestoppers is an independent charity dedicated to solving crimes and taking criminals off the streets. Around 17 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person every five days is charged with murder. Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over a million actionable calls, resulting in over 86,000 arrests and charges. Over GB pound 101 million worth of property has been recovered and over GB pound 151 million worth of drugs.
Crimestoppers UK was founded by Lord Ashcroft KCMG, the chairman of Trustees. In 1988, he launched Crimestoppers in the Metropolitan Police area.
Crimestoppers is built on a three-way partnership between the business community, the police service and the media.