Charity calls for volunteers to combat crime in Wiltshire

Crimestoppers information has resulted in more than 151,000 arrests and charges, the charity said

Crimestoppers is appealing for Wiltshire residents to help combat crime in their local area.

The charity currently only has one volunteer in the region.

In Swindon, in particular, knife crime is a big concern, with incidents significantly increasing year upon year, according to police data.

Crimestoppers regional manager Beth Simpson said volunteers would "give a voice to people who don't feel able to speak up with information about crime".

Ms Simpson said the Wiltshire volunteer had been working with the charity since he was a teenager and was "absolutely brilliant".

Crimestoppers is independent of the police and takes all information anonymously.

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Since it was launched in 1988, the charity has received more than 2.2m actionable calls, resulting in more than 151,000 arrests and charges.

More than £139m worth of stolen goods have been recovered and more than £367m worth of illegal drugs have been seized as a result of calls to Crimestoppers.

"Volunteers are really important to us," said Ms Simpson, explaining they "help us to connect with every community in the local area so we can give them a voice to speak up".

The charity is looking for people "from all communities" with a variety of skills, including fundraising, admin and finance, as well as people who can hold events or give talks to raise awareness.

Ms Simpson added: "It's a great way to use your existing skills to help your local area, or to develop new expertise - all whilst knowing you are making a significant difference to people's lives."