Crimestoppers is urging the public of the Highlands and Islands to call them with information which could help Police in their efforts to reduce the supply of illegal drugs in the region.

Northern Constabulary has enjoyed a successful year and has taken hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of drugs off the streets.

Both Crimestoppers and Police say they must not be complacent and have vowed to continue to target those involved in the drugs trade and any other form of serious and organised crime.

Crimestoppers’ National Training and Development Manager, Iain Froggett visited Northern Constabulary HQ last week to speak to Police and partner agencies about the work of the crime fighting charity and underline the independent charity’s commitment to helping Police tackle the drugs menace.

Mr Froggett was invited by Crimestoppers Highland chairman Jim Ferguson, who organised event.

Jim Ferguson Highlands and Islands regional chairman said: “I was delighted to have Ian Froggett attend today’s meeting which clearly shows the high level of support from Crimestoppers nationally for the Highlands and Islands region.

“The region has shown a 6% increase in the number of calls received over last year and a 40% rise in the number of arrests all due to information received from Crimestoppers which is highly encouraging.

“Crimestoppers is effective in the fight against crime and we are all striving hard to tackle the problems that affect our communities. Our board has been very active, regularly attending community council meetings and giving presentations to interested groups.”

He added: “We appreciate the dedication of Northern Constabulary and their support of Crimestoppers in our combined efforts to make our communities safer.

“Crimestoppers offer a completely anonymous way of passing information to law enforcement and clearly the Highlands is increasingly using the service which we provide to good effect.”

Mr Froggett said: “It is great to visit the low crime areas encompassed by the Highlands of Scotland, but to keep it that way, we need people to be vigilant. If they feel they cannot report information about criminal activity to the police for fear of being identified or because they are too close to an offender, then Crimestoppers offers the ideal means.

“We promise total anonymity to all callers whether they use:
Telephone: 0800 555 111 or choose to report online from our website www.crimestoppersscotland-uk.org/

Even the smallest piece of information we receive will be passed to the police and it may be the key to supporting a successful investigation.”

He added: “Offenders are the people who should fear the consequences of crime and by working closely with communities at large, with Crimestoppers volunteers and the police, we can help reduce the availability of controlled drugs and help in the prosecution of those who supply them.”

Deputy Chief Constable Garry Sutherland said: “We are grateful for the continued support we receive from Crimestoppers.

“Some members of the public may feel they cannot contact Police with information, for whatever reason, and in those circumstances Crimestoppers can provide an alternative solution.

“The Crimestoppers service offers people crucial reassurance that the information they are providing is being treated completely anonymously.

“Historically, information provided through Crimestoppers has played a part in the solving of a number of crimes in the Northern Constabulary area and we look forward to further developing that partnership, to ensure the Highlands and Islands remain among the safest places in the UK to live, work and invest.”

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Macmillan Cancer Support are holding a UK wide event throughout the summer of 2009 to raise money for the charity.

The challenge is for teams of four to play 72 holes of golf in one day (24hours). It will involve walking approximately 20 miles and playing about 300+ shots each and losing a proportionate number of golf balls.

Most participant teams will play four rounds on their home course, however, officers James Winter, David Housby, Graeme Erskine and Nick Hough, based in the Western Isles, are planning to make the event even more challenging – four rounds, four courses on four different islands in one day!

PC Hough said: “The walking and the golf fair quite well in comparison with the logistical challenges involved.”

Starting in the Isle of Barra at 0300hrs and culminating in Stornoway, Lewis about 2300hrs it will involve three ferry crossings, 300 miles of driving passing through nine islands and little time to take in the wonderful scenery of the Western Isles. Barra, Askernish (South Uist), Harris and Stornoway courses are to be played.

A significant amount of support and assistance has already been given by Western Isles organisations to assist with green fees, ferries, minibus hire. 11500 has already been raised for the cause and they hope to raise this to at least 12000.

The Western Isles Longest Day Challenge will take place on Thursday 18 June 2009, utilising the long hours of daylight the Hebrides gets at this time of year.

Donations and information can be found at our specific Macmillan Cancer Support webpage:

www.justgiving.com/westernislesgolf

Please contact PC Nick Hough, Benbecula for any information about the route, photo opportunities or further details. Benbecula Police Station 01870 602374.

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