CSG Home page The following press release has been circulated on behalf of Neighbourhood Watch partners at Crimestoppers Scotland. Neighbourhood Watch continue to support and promote the crimestoppers anonymous number 0800 555 111 through the ALERT platform. Contacts from Scottish public to charity Crimestoppers hit record high during lockdown Over the past three months, independent charity Crimestoppers has received a record number of reports from the public across Scotland on domestic abuse, drug dealing and child harm and neglect. In response to lockdown across Scotland, 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 frauds, drug dealers targeting the vulnerable, and children at risk of harm and neglect. Compared to previous months, contacts about those at risk of domestic abuse increased by 81% and doorstep crime calls increased by 30%. Drug dealing reports increased by 40% and visits to the Crimestoppers’ website trebled in April 2020. The charity also heard from concerned friends and neighbours about children at risk. One anonymous report highlighted a child being neglected and constantly crying in pain. Drug dealers continued to operate despite lockdown measures. One property had several unknown people living there with many others visiting. The residents were supplying heroin and cannabis which had a harmful effect on neighbours and the local community. 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’s responsible but for whatever reason, don’t want to speak to the police or get involved. We are so encouraged and grateful for the people who trusted our 100% anonymous guarantee and told us about those at risk. Thanks to the Scottish public, life for them is better and communities are safer." Ash Denham MSP, Minister for Community Safety said: "The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring communities remain safe and resilient as we emerge from these unprecedented times. I would like to thank Crimestoppers and people who have stepped up in recent months to help keep people in Scotland safe. Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, Police Scotland said: "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. Original Message Sent By Willie Clark (NHWN, National Co - ordinator, NW Scotland)
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