The following article was written by CrimeStoppers.
On Monday 12 February 2018, CrimeStoppers announced the Annual Results Celebration Day and release via their digital platforms and the media specific data about their program activities in 2017.
For every successful report submitted to the Queensland Police Service by Crime Stoppers in 2017, an average of five charges were laid in response to criminal activity, with over half of all contacts made to Crime Stoppers Queensland related to drugs.
Fielding 56,683 phone, online and mobile app reports, at an average of 155 contacts per day, Crime Stoppers Queensland passed on 20,313 pieces of anonymous information to the Police which led to a total of 2,812 persons arrested and 8,359 charges across the state.
Crime Stoppers Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mr. Trevor O’Hara said the year-end statistics demonstrated how committed Queenslanders are to ensuring the safety of their local communities.
“Without the support from the public in 2017, we can assume 2,812 individuals would not have been arrested for criminal activity and more than $8 million worth of drugs would still be on the streets. Queenslanders should be proud of the outcomes their reports have achieved.” Mr. O’Hara said.
The top five crimes reported to Crime Stoppers Queensland in 2017 related to personal safety, property, drugs, traffic matters and regulatory offences, with drug crimes accounting for 67 per cent of intelligence reports submitted to QPS last year.
Mr. O’Hara said anonymous reports received from the Queensland public also resulted in $743,079 worth of unlawful proceeds confiscated.
“Last year we observed a 30 per cent increase on the previous year in crime-related proceeds seized, and a total of $273,750 worth of social harm avoided from the confiscation of amphetamines alone,” Mr. O’Hara said.
“We’re seeing from the unwavering influx of intelligence received from the public that drug possession, supply and production are still prevalent issues in Queensland, and it’s high on the community’s agenda to prevent these crimes.
“Crime Stoppers Queensland plays a vital role in solving crime and ultimately makes our state a safer place. Intelligence reported from the public assists QPS to prevent drug crimes, locate wanted persons and find missing persons and I encourage the public to continue to embrace the anonymity of the Crime Stoppers program to ensure the ongoing safety of their local communities,” Mr. O’Hara added.
Toowoomba City, Caboolture, Morayfield, Townsville and Mackay were among the top suburbs in Queensland for arrests and charges being laid as a result of intelligence received from the public.
Anyone can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1800 333 000, going online to www.crimestoppersqld.com.au or downloading and reporting via the Crime Stoppers Queensland mobile app.