STATISTICS FOR FIRST THREE MONTHS

Two weeks ago I released to the media the call statistics for the first three months of Crimestoppers operations in New Zealand. The media gave this information plenty of coverage. The statistics are very encouraging and certainly vindicate the establishment of Crimestoppers in NZ. In three months over 1700 calls have been received with nearly 700 categorised as actionable (enough information in quality and quantity for Police to do something) The Police are now in the process of collating what has occurred but I can say that people have been arrested and charged as a result of information provided by Crimestoppers. We are very pleased with the response of New Zealanders. The opportunity for individuals to do something about crime without endangering themselves is a big motivator. Crimestoppers aim is to mobilise New Zealanders to take action against crime. We want to have criminals with nowhere to hide whether they be involved in the illegal drug trade, theft in all its forms, illegal sexual activities, domestic violence whether against partners or children, possessing weapons illegally or wanted by the Police. If you know about crime, take action. Either contact the police or give the information anonymously to crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or using the online message form on Crimestoppers Website crimestoppers-nz.org We can get safer communities if everyone plays their part.

WAR ON DRUGS

A recent news article highlighted the recent successes of the Police as they fight to reduce illegal drug use in New Zealand. They have been given new powers by the Government to assist in this process. It is still vitally important that we all add our assistance to the issue - drug pushers are known to both criminals and law abiding citizens. We all need to provide that information to the Police or if this is too difficult we now have another facility - to ring CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 and report the information anonymously or provide the information on the online message form found at crimestoppers-nz.org. Let us not kid ourselves about managing the use of drugs and it is about time that the term "recreational drugs" is removed from any discussions. Drugs are extremely destructive to the individual involved and cause dispair and heartbreak to parents, siblings and friends. They often feel helpless as a loved one destroys themself. Let us stop the RATBAGS that operate in this drug trade. Do something, make a difference - ring Crimestoppers and help put an end to those who peddle this misery. These people have no redeeming features - they try and hook young and vulnerable teenagers on drugs. YOU ARE NOW EMPOWERED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE PREDICTMENT - DO IT.