The impact of gangs on communities – particularly around associated drugs activities and weapons – is confirmed by the number of reports received by Crimestoppers’ call centre and via its anonymous online reporting form. More than half (55% or nearly 1,400) of all crime reported to the charity about residents in Staffordshire over the past year is drug related and often associated with gang activity. For example, Crimestoppers received over 80 anonymous reports from the public locally last year relating to possession of weapons.

Crimestoppers is also raising awareness that modern day slavery exists in the county. Whilst this is a nationwide issue, it follows news that more than 50 people were rescued from modern slavery in Staffordshire, including dozens from Vietnam who were discovered in the back of a truck.

Pauline Hadley, Crimestoppers’ Regional Manager, said: “Whilst Staffordshire is relatively a safe place to live, it’s important that we remind people that gangs, drugs and slavery all have a negative impact on our streets.

“Through the use of targeted messaging via mobile phones, Facebook and other media, we are reminding people that the Crimestoppers charity offers a totally safe and anonymous way to give information about criminals. We only want to know details about the drug dealers, those involved in criminal gangs and those exploiting others as slaves. Together, we can help make Staffordshire a safer place to live and work.”