Charity launches appeal in Sheffield to help take guns off the streets
Crimestoppers are encouraging more people in the city to come forward anonymously
Last updated 15th Oct 2021
The charity Crimestoppers is today launching a major campaign in Sheffield as it appeals for anonymous information about recent and historic shootings.
The campaign is in response to a spate of firearms attacks – some of which have been fatal - that have taken place in the city. Many of these attacks are linked to rival drug gangs and drug dealing, but innocent bystanders have witnessed these attacks too.
Crimestoppers – which is independent of the police - received over 6,000 pieces of anonymous information from people in South Yorkshire over the past year. This led to a number of guns being seized and arrests being made, which helps to keep people and communities safe from harm, and to ensure justice is given to victims and families.
Everyone who contacts Crimestoppers – either by phone on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org - stays 100% anonymous. Always. The charity has kept this guarantee since Crimestoppers began in the late 1980s.
Gemma Gibbs, South Yorkshire Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Guns cause enormous harm to not only individuals, but also the wider area as threats and intimidation prevent people and communities from living safe and rewarding lives.
“Keeping our communities, families and streets safe is a top priority. We all have a role to play in helping put a stop to shootings on our streets and this is especially so if we know who’s involved. You can help make a big difference. If you prefer not to talk directly to the authorities, then our charity is here for you. We need information on who is carrying out these shootings, where the weapons and bullets are stored, descriptions of people involved, and the vehicles they use. We take all information seriously and your information could be vital.
“Those who carry out gun attacks rely on the myth that no one should `grass’, as it suits them to build up a wall of fear to avoid being caught. They have no respect for life or the damage they cause to families and communities. So, please do the right thing and contact Crimestoppers. You’ll be helping to bring peace to our streets and communities and helping to stop violence in its tracks whilst staying 100% anonymous. Always.”
Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner added: “The priority for police is to keep people safe and this is done best when they work in communities and with communities.
“That means people engaging with police or Crimestoppers. Your observation or piece of information may be the missing piece of the jigsaw and may be the key to police bringing an offender before the courts.”
If you have any information about crime across Sheffield and South Yorkshire and prefer not to speak directly to the authorities, then contact the charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or fill in a simple and secure Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.