CRIMESTOPPERS HELPS FIGHT CRIME
WITH SARA LIFEBOATS

Gloucestershire Crimestoppers and The Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) have joined forces in the fight against crime. SARA are displaying Crimestoppers logos on their Lifeboats, Land Rovers and stations in Beachley, Sharpness and Upton on Severn, to appeal for information on crime along the Severn River.

Both charities are Gloucestershire based and rely entirely on donations for their funding. SARA is an Inshore Rescue boat and Land search organisation covering the Severn Estuary and upper reaches of the River Severn. It is the largest independent lifeboat service in the UK, second only to the RNLI, with eight operational boats and approximately 150 volunteers, there are no paid staff. Founded in 1973, SARA has since attended more than 674 incidents, rescued around 1276 people and has been regularly asked to assist with flood relief work.

Shane Clark, Chairman of Sharpness IRB Station, for SARA said:
"Crime affects us all and by promoting Crimestoppers we are hoping people will call the 0800 555 111 anonymous free telephone number if they have any information about crime along the Severn River. SARA covers a large area from Upton on Severn in Worcestershire up the River Severn as far as Ironbridge, down the Severn Estuary to Beachley near Chepstow in Monmouthshire and beyond. Typical recurring crime in this area includes boats being untied and left to drift aimlessly, boats being broken into, equipment being stolen and boats vandalised.

"Crimestoppers continues to go from strength to strength and we are proud to be involved with such a worthwhile charity. Every piece of information assists in the fight against crime, which in turn helps make this area a better place to live"

John Cripps, Chairman of Gloucestershire Crimestoppers said

" We are pleased that two such worthwhile charities are working together to combat crime. The Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 telephone number is free and is aimed at those people who want to call and give information about crime without becoming involved.

" For example an alert neighbour, fisherman, walker or boat owner may have information about someone they either know or live near to and are worried about any repercussions or reprisals. They consider the information would be valuable to Gloucestershire police but they would not wish to make a formal statement or give evidence in court. Crimestoppers guarantees these callers safety and anonymity at all times both during the call and when investigations are taking place".

If someone is arrested and charged with an offence the caller is also able to collect a reward (along the Crimestoppers Trust guidelines)and still remain anonymous. The recipient collects the reward from a bank of their choice quoting the code they requested when they passed the information.

Gloucestershire Constabulary have arrested 62 offenders so far this year as a direct result of 645 callers passing information to the Crimestoppers number.

Since the introduction of the scheme into the county in 1995, over 6200 calls have been made by vigilant members of the public. From these calls a total of 532 arrests have taken place and over £430,000 worth of goods have been recovered. So, if you have information about crime, then call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and make your area a safer one to live in.

Both charities rely entirely on voluntary donations and if you would like to help either then please contact:

Shane Clark SARA Lifeboat Tel: 01453 759100 or email shaneclark@lineone.net
Julia Richardson Gloucestershire Crimestoppers Tel: 01242 276253 or email julia.richardson@gloucestershire.police.uk

ENDS