SAPOL Inspector Michael Ball, SAPOL Crime Prevention Dianne Baker-Tagg, Mayor Clare McLaughlin and CEO Crime Stoppers SA Nigel Smart.

Crime Stoppers SA joins forces with City of Whyalla for a better community

Whyalla already has an envied reputation thanks to its warm climate, accessible beaches and great fishing, but this is set to further improve thanks to a new initiative forged between Crime Stoppers South Australia and the City of Whyalla.

Crime Stoppers SA CEO, Nigel Smart, said the partnership – which officially launches on 31 January 2022 - demonstrates strong civic leadership by the council on behalf of ratepayers and residents, helping give locals and visitors alike greater control when it comes to a safer community.

“Crime – and indeed the fear of crime – impacts on community confidence, so this local safety initiative empowers and encourages people to share information about unsolved crimes and suspicious behaviour without the need to say who they are or put themselves at risk,” Mr Smart said.

“Perhaps something doesn’t seem quite right in your neighbourhood. Maybe you’ve overheard or know something about graffiti, property damage, theft, drug dealing or some other matter. Whatever the matter is, if it concerns you, then we want to hear from you, because what you share can be provided to police on your behalf without you getting involved.”

City of Whyalla Mayor, Clare McLaughlin, said the partnership was the latest safety initiative developed to maintain a vibrant, safe and empowered local community.

“Partnering with Crime Stoppers encourages people to share information about issues which make them feel distressed, fearful or concerned, with the intent of ultimately making them feel safer,” Mayor McLaughlin said.

“Although our reported crime figures reinforce that we are not particularly different to other local communities, we want individuals to see that they can make a difference to continually improving the level of safety in their community, and Crime Stoppers provides the ideal, anonymous platform.

“We also want the minority who don’t do the right thing to be on alert, knowing that people are watching and are prepared to call out antisocial behaviour.”

Anyone with information about criminals or suspicious activity can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a tip at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

About Crime Stoppers SA

Crime Stoppers began in South Australia in 1996 and since then has played a critical role in encouraging people to come forward with information that helps to solve crimes and educate on topics such as property and personal safety, vehicle theft, and cyber safety. The program encourages people to be alert and engaged participants in their community and provides a secure way for information about illegal activity and unsolved crimes to be passed to police through an independent toll-free hotline and a website that guarantees anonymity with the option of a reward. Crime Stoppers SA works with police, the media and the public to solve, reduce and prevent crime.

More about Crime Stoppers SA can be found at https://crimestopperssa.com.au