Feedback from the police and other rural crime stakeholders recommended using the main Crimestoppers reporting service, 0800 555 111, to make it easier for everyone involved in tackling rural crime, and to have a co-ordinated approach.
The Rural Crime Hotline has been successful in raising awareness of rural crime and has helped direct hundreds of anonymous tips to Crimestoppers, and in turn law enforcement. Since its launch in July 2018, there have been more than 300 pieces of information gathered via the Rural Crime Hotline and, between July 2019 and June 2020 alone, over 350 pieces of information have been taken via the Crimestoppers phone line and online form, all of which have been sent on to law enforcement.
The NFU has successfully trained Crimestoppers call handlers in the detail of rural crime and how to identify the relevant information to send on to the police, following an anonymous contact. The NFU will continue to work closely with Crimestoppers to promote its service and how it can be a valuable tool in deterring and combatting rural crime.
How to report a crime
The dedicated Rural Crime Hotline and online form has now been phased out and anybody who wishes to give information, 100% anonymously, about a crime can:
- Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
- Go online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Help combat rural crime. Tell us what you know. 100% anonymously. Always.
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