Initiative follows upsurge in violent incidents.
Crimestoppers has launched a campaign to tackle gang violence following a number of ‘turf war’ shootings in Birmingham.
The charity is appealing to those who have information on gang crime to contact them anonymously on their 0800 555 111 number or online.
From Monday 9th May the campaign messages ‘Keep our streets safe. Say no to gun & gang violence’, aimed at those who know who are carrying the guns, will appear on posters throughout the city as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
Pauline Hadley, Regional Manager for Crimestoppers in the West Midlands, said: “There are people out there who want to do the right thing but they won’t go to the police because they fear reprisals; they don’t want to be seen as a ‘grass.’ They have the power to break the silence in complete safety. Information from them can stop another family being torn apart by gun and gang violence.
“Your information has the potential to help save a life and we urge you to contact Crimestoppers with guaranteed anonymity. We don’t want to know who you are, just what you know. We’re a charity, we’re not the police. We don’t take personal details and we can’t trace calls or information given online. You won’t have to give a statement or appear in court.”
Figures from the Office of National Statistics have revealed there were 562 incidents involving a firearm in the West Midlands in the 12 months up to March 2015 – up from 540 the year before.
There were 20 offences per 100,000 people in the West Midlands police force during that time area – compared to 19 per 100,000 in London, 16 in Greater Manchester and 12 in Merseyside.
