By Ruth Howard

A leading Scots politician has praised Crimestoppers for the ‘powerful opportunity’ it provides for people to help the police tackle crime – without putting themselves at risk.

Deputy Justice Minister Johann Lamont MSP expressed admiration for the only charity helping to solve crime after visiting our Call Centre - her first since she succeeded Hugh Henry MSP who became Education Minister.

During an informative, hour-long tour as the guest of Superintendent Carol McLean and her team at the Scottish Criminal Record Office, Ms Lamont met the dedicated operators who handle anonymous calls to 0800 555 111.

It was a short visit to the 24/7 state-of-the-art communications complex on the banks of the River Clyde at Pacific Quay, Glasgow but most worthwhile, according to Ms Lamont who said:

'I was grateful to have the opportunity to visit Crimestoppers and appreciated the warmth of the welcome I received.  I was very struck by the enthusiasm, energy and commitment of all those involved.'

And she added: Crimestoppers plays an important part in making our communities safer places to live.

During a subsequent debate on Community Safety the Deputy Justice Minister told Parliament: “I commend the drug dealers don't care campaign and Crimestoppers. The campaign empowers communities by allowing people anonymity in reporting problems with drug dealers. We must recognise the critical work that it has done in communities. We have listened again to the challenges that people face when they are frightened by the crime that goes on around them. We must recognise how those communities are liberated when people are able to give information anonymously."

On arrival at the S.C.R.O. Ms Lamont had talks with Superintendent Carol McLean and officials of the charity including the Chairman before being shown round the high tech nerve centre and heard at first hand from our dedicated band of operators how the Call Centre works.

Inspector Graeme Ross, National Crimestoppers Coordinator for Scotland stated: “The visit by the Deputy Justice Minister Johann Lamont to the Crimestoppers Scotland Call Centre in Glasgow was most welcome, with all those in attendance finding the visit both informative and constructive.

The success of the partnership between the Scottish Executive, the Crimestoppers Scotland Board, the Scottish Police Service and other partners was reinforced by the success of the recent Drug Dealers Don’t Care Do You? campaign. The visit also served to highlight the valuable work being carried out by Crimestoppers Scotland and its contribution towards making our communities a safer place in which to live and work.

The savings in police time and resources mean Crimestoppers is a highly cost-effective way of gathering the intelligence to make arrests and charges.

The crime hotline is proving more successful than ever with new figures showing a record number of calls and arrests in Scotland.”

Stewart McCulloch, Chairman of Crimestoppers Scotland said: “As we know, crime is rarely hidden from the public eye but not all witnesses or people with information feel able to step forward and help the police. There are many understandable reasons why they do not wish to be identified. They may live in a troubled area and know of a drug dealer but fear retribution or may wrestle with their conscience about a friend or family or family member they suspect of rape. Crimestoppers empowers these people and gives them a voice.

One of the biggest difficulties police face when launching investigations is the reluctance of witnesses to come forward. Whether out of fear of getting involved or a mistrust of the authorities, few want to have their name linked to an inquiry. Crimestoppers helps overcome this problem as the phone system used does not allow calls to be traced, encouraging more people to pass on information.”

But even although rewards are offered, up to £10,000 for the most serious crimes, the take up is very low.