|
|
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Crimestoppers: Charity that fights crime
Winchester members enjoyed an excellent lunch at the Winchester Royal Hotel and were well looked after by Jon Gettings, General Manager, and Alice Ghiloni, Regional Business Development Manager for Forestdale Hotel Group.
Kit Finney of JCF Financial expertly chaired the lunch and achieved the task of finishing one minute before 2pm!
The speaker was Simon Theobalds who has been associated with the Crimestoppers charity for nine years.
Crimestoppers provides a way for the public to give information anonymously about crimes and criminals without being identified or having to appear in court. While rewards are sometimes given, many informants simply want to pass on what they know by a telephone call.
Although Crimestoppers work with the police, they are anxious to maintain their distance; people are often unwilling to speak directly to the police, in many cases because they are close to the person concerned.
Many of the calls relate to drugs, drink driving, domestic violence or child abuse. But in the last few months a murder has been solved and an armed raid disrupted in Hampshire. Nationally, some 18 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of a call to Crimestoppers.
Simon emphasised the importance for businesses to be aware of Crimestoppers. A Corporate Associates Scheme has been launched to recruit corporate members to increase publicity and provide practical support for the scheme. Members get the chance of visits that are not available to the public, such as to Scotland Yard’s Black Museum and specialist departments of Hampshire Constabulary.
For more information, see www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call 0800 555 111 to report a crime or a criminal. Simon can be emailed at simon_theobalds@hotmail.co.uk
For information about the Winchester Royal Hotel, call 01962 840840 or see www.thewinchesterroyalhotel.co.uk
|
|
