ORGANISED CRIME

It was great to see the success of the Organised and Financial Crime Agency New Zealand (OFCANZ) a couple of days ago and the new powers which are to be given to Police under the Criminal Proceeds(Recovery) Act in regards the recovery of assets acquired as a result of criminal activity. Information about crime given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 can assist greatly in the activities of both OFCANZ and the new Asset Recovery Unit. Organised Crime has a number of income streams like any other business operation and it is important New Zealanders understand the interconnection. The cheap power tool, cartoon of smokes, electronic good, alcohol procured by a normally law abiding citizen may in all probability be producing the funds required to manufacture drugs. These drugs in turn will be sold to brothers, sisters, children and friends of those buying the cheap commodity. If you have information on these activities ring in the first place the Police or if this is not possible, ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and provide that information.

COMMUNITY WORKING TOGETHER

It was great to watch the TV News last night and hear from those who had chased and caught the teenager who was in the process of assaulting a young woman. This was a great example of community conscious individuals watching out for others. This is what we are about at Crimestoppers - encouraging individuals in the community to work together to create safer and more secure communities. You may not be in the position to react immediately and assist in the way those men did, but you may be in the position to provide information about crime and criminals to the Police or if this is not possible, ring CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800555111 and give the information anonymously - Our Mantra is: We don't want to know who you are, just the information you have.

ORGANISED CRIME

The latest news about organised crime using college students to bring into the country illegal drugs is a real heads up for New Zealanders. These drugs cause absolute misery to many New Zealand families and we must stop ignoring what is occurring around us. If you are afraid of going to the Police because of intimidation ring CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111 and provide the information you have anonymously. Your anonymity is guaranteed. Don't leave this task to someone else. It could be your child, brother, sister to be the next person addicted to these drugs. To really understand the misery caused by drugs, try personalising the situation.

HELP MAKE YOUR COMMUNITY SAFER

We all want safer and more secure communities. We don't want a very small minority of people determining how we live our life. Unfortunately this small law breaking group do just that. We owe them nothing - if you know of illegal activity then ring the police but if for some reason you can't do this then ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or use the online message form. If you know someone has committed a serious crime and you sit on this information to protect them then how are you going to feel if they strike again. This is very likely because human nature as it is, if a person hasn't learnt from their mistake/mishap/action by accepting responsibility, they are ripe to repeat the act. There are currently crimes out there where the police desperately need information to enable progress to be made. People have that information and are probably wrestling with their conscience. I ask those people to have the courage to come forward with the information. In the long run it is to everyone's advantage.

CYCLIST KILLED

A respected Doctor was killed by a hit and run driver while riding his bicycle in Auckland. The vehicle was a Toyota. Did you see the incident and have you got information? Do you live with the individual concerned? The police are calling for you to come forward and provide information to them. This individual could do it again and it may be someone close to you. If it is too difficult to do that, don't do nothing. RING CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111 and provide the information you have.

GET IT OFF YOUR CONSCIENCE

Someone pointed out to me that those who have information on unsolved, serious crimes from the past may now feel more comfortable in providing their information via Crimestoppers because of the guarantee of anonymity. I think this is a very valid observation. In the past the person may have found it very difficult to give information, not only because of the lack of a Crimestoppers facility, but because of where they were in their life and over the years have wrestled with their conscience. Well today that person can get that off their conscience and help bring closure to a victim somewhere in NZ without identifying themselves to anyone. Crimestoppers just want the information you have, not who you are.

A thought for today.

CRIME SITES

To all Web Visitors - take the time to look at the crime site page especially Police 10-7 and Police Services. You may recognise someone the police are after or a boat that has been stolen and so on. In the future we will have a link to the stolen car list.

I think this is a great website, and Crimestoppers 0800 number and the anonymity of it is a fabulous idea. I sincerely hope that we can all feel more at ease with reporting unacceptable criminal behaviour in our communities! Perhaps we can save more lives, prevent domestic violence escalating, save children from abuse, clean out streets of the scum dealing drugs and intimidating innocent citizens...... We now have some power in our hands to be a part of making a difference in our own back yards. Thank goodness!

I am also keen to offer any volunteer services you might need now or in the future realted to Crimstoppers, as I am very passionate about empowering people in our communities to speak up against the more undesirable elements to our families and communities.

Good stuff. Let me know if I can help in any way.

Reply:

Thank you Sarah for your comments. You are spot on. It is about empowerment of the individual. In a world where most feel dis-empowered and feel unable to respond in an effective manner, Crimestoppers commitment to preserve anonymity empowers the individual to take action against crime and criminals. Why should a small percentage of the population determine how we live? They shouldn't and its about the good citizens of NZ making a stand against crime. We all want safer and more secure communities. Thank you for your offer of assistance.

kind regards Lou