Record reports from the public

Crimestoppers has received a record number of reports from the public on domestic abuse, drug dealing and child harm and neglect.

In response to lockdown, the charity ran a series of public awareness campaigns to highlight the increased risk of harm and abuse some people would experience.

These included domestic abuse, doorstep crime and fraud, drug dealers targeting the vulnerable, and children at risk of harm and neglect.

Compared to previous months, April saw contacts about those at risk of domestic abuse increase by 81 per cent and doorstep crime calls by 30 per cent; drug dealing reports also increased by 40 per cent and visits to the Crimestoppers’ website trebled.

Angela Parker, national manager for Crimestoppers Scotland, said: ‘The past few months have been very challenging for people across Scotland.

“As a charity, we needed to raise awareness of the risks and harm the most vulnerable in communities would experience during lockdown.

“Often people know or suspect who is responsible but don’t want to speak to the police or get involved.

“We are so encouraged and grateful for the people who trusted our 100 per cent anonymous guarantee and told us about those at risk. Thanks to the Scottish public, life for them is better and communities are safer.”

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie added: “Crimestoppers is an integral partner in helping us offer a tangible and secure alternative for those who wish to remain anonymous in reporting crime and concern for others.

“We recognise how challenging recent times have been and I would like to take this opportunity to thank communities across Scotland for the crucial role they are playing in the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives.”