More youths speaking out on crime

Crimestoppers’ youth service saw record numbers of youngsters visit their website last year to find out more information about crime – and speak up 100 per cent anonymously.

Responding to school and youth service closures in Monklands during the first half of the year, Fearless.org delivered 12 Scotland-wide campaigns focused on empowering young people with key information about high harm crimes.

As a result, the charity’s website – Fearless.org – was visited more than 90,000 times by youths from all across Scotland; a 120 per cent increase compared to 2020.

Lyndsay Mcdade, national youth projects co-ordinator for Crimestoppers Scotland, said: “From violence and weapon possession to child harm and neglect, the information we receive from young people is crucial in making Scotland safer for everyone.

“Fearless.org is an absolute safety net for young people. For those uncomfortable about contacting the police directly, our independence and guarantee of anonymity gives them a crucial and much-needed alternative.

“We take what they know and pass it on whilst keeping them completely anonymous.

“Last year was full of highlights for Fearless Scotland and it’s been a real privilege to witness and be part of our remarkable growth.

“I want to thank each and every young person who has trusted our charity and chosen to do the right thing by speaking up anonymously.

“As we start this new year, I would ask young people to continue to trust us with what you know or suspect – be assured that you will remain 100 per cent anonymous always.

“Through Fearless.org, you have a tangible, safe way to make your community a better, safer place to live.”

Ash Regan MSP, Minister for Community Safety, added: “I would like to thank Fearless for their continued support to young people by providing information and advice about these very serious issues and how they can report anything they know or suspect about crime 100 per cent anonymously at Fearless.org .

“The figures show this information has already proven vital in helping police tackle crime and prevent harm.

“I encourage any young person who witnesses, or has any information about, crime to report it and help keep their communities safe and resilient.”

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, partnerships, prevention and community wellbeing, said: “Having a trusted, secure and reliable crime prevention resource like Fearless available to Scotland’s children and young people is invaluable.”