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Crime Stoppers SA says a decision to not allocate any budget to support the independent crime reporting and prevention program in South Australia will not dampen its resolve to keep advocating for state government funding.

The decision comes less than 48 hours after the release of latest wastewater test results by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission that shows Adelaide as having the highest concentration of methamphetamine in the nation.

Crime Stoppers SA Chair, Ms Sharon Hanlon said: “We have been in ongoing discussion with the Minister for Police and his advisors to try and address the fact that South Australia is the only state to not receive any state government support.”

“We had been advised that a budget bid had been put forward to Treasury, so it is naturally disappointing to see nothing allocated once again. What this does is strengthen our resolve to keep engaging the business community to help fund our operations, as we have done for more than 20 years,” Ms Hanlon said.

“We understand that the State Government is under pressure to accommodate a major GST shortfall in its budget and has already announced cuts to services and tax increases. We will need to curb or delay a number of earmarked crime-solving and prevention activities in response – including plans to better engage with non-English speaking communities and tackle country crime,” she said.

In 2018, Crime Stoppers was advised that the Marshall Liberal Government was reconsidering a $960,000 funding commitment pledged by the then Labor Government. This was followed by the September 2018 budget, which did not have any allocation to the independent not-for-profit.

Earlier this year, Crime Stoppers launched a Go Fund Me page to help fight country crime, with limited community uptake experienced because of uncertainty surrounding local economic conditions.

“We greatly appreciate the in-kind support of SA Police, Channel 9 as our media partner and support from Police Credit Union because it allows us to engage the community and offset some operational costs such as the 1800 333 000 hotline, website and our Rewards program, which has paid out nearly $250,000 since the program first started.”

Crime Stoppers has helped to solve more than 32,500 crimes and more than 21,000+ people have been apprehended since it first began in SA. An average of 25 crimes are solved every week as a direct result of information provided to Crime Stoppers, with one apprehension made for every seven calls received. On average nearly 1800 calls and 400 online reports are received every month.

2018 program results included more than 25,000 phone and web reports received during the year, resulting in 822 apprehensions. A total of 82 firearms were seized during the year, with information provided by the community also stopping an estimated 80,035 cannabis and 12,227 amphetamine street deals in South Australia.

An independent report commissioned by Crime Stoppers Australia in 2018 found the program remains Australia’s most recognised and pre-eminent information reporting service, delivering a return of $11.15 in additional value for every dollar invested. The report also found that 82% of people feel safer knowing the program is in place, and 62% said Crime Stoppers made it more likely they would report information.

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Contacts made to Crime Stoppers SA in April led to nearly 50 guns being taken out of the hands of criminals – one of the biggest monthly results ever experienced. In addition, replica firearms, ammunition, a pistol crossbow, knuckle dusters and other dangerous weapons were also confiscated.

Not to be outdone, our drug-related calls led to 69 plants and nearly 15kg of dried cannabis being seized, as well as a substantial amount of amphetamine, heroin and almost $30,000 cash located.

People reported information about an indecent assault at Blair Athol, a stolen dog from the city, a ram raid on a Salisbury Plains bike shop, home invasion at Unley and attempted kidnapping at West Beach.

Apprehensions included 34 men and 7 women charged with significant drug offences, weapons offences, and money laundering.

Our weekly crime segments on 9News Adelaide profiled CCTV vision of a man wanted for a home invasion at Elizabeth South where a credit card was stolen and later used, as well as a man caught on camera after assaulting a woman and robbing her at a city massage business. We also asked for help to identify a man wanted for a robbery at JR’s Surf and Ski in Rundle Mall and called for information on the death of Adrian Trett at Mannum in April 2018.

Watch these and other weekly crime segments at https://www.youtube.com/user/SIBSACrimeStoppers

If you have any information about criminal activity or an unsolved crime, then call our free hotline on 1800 333 000 or go to www.crimestopperssa.com.au

Rewards are available and you can remain anonymous.

To mark the 20-year milestone of having a Crime Stoppers program in every Australian State and Territory, an independent study has been released as part of National Crime Stoppers Day 2019 celebrations on Monday, 27^th May.

The Impact Report shows 82% of all Australians feel safer knowing the program is in place across the country. The research also finds that 81% of Australians believe the option to remain anonymous when contacting the trusted information reporting channel, is a major drawcard.

Crime Stoppers Australia Chair, Ms Diana Forrester says: “These results underline the significant value Crime Stoppers offers in collecting information which helps to solve some of the nation’s most horrific and baffling crimes. It reinforces that people can make a significant difference by anonymously sharing what they know.”

“Australia is a culturally-rich and diverse nation – with the 2016 Census showing nearly half (49%) of all Australians had either been born overseas or had one or both parents born overseas – and this report underlines that Crime Stoppers is for everyone in the community,” Ms Forrester said.

“We have seen the devastation crime can bring when a blind eye is turned – within Australia, in neighbouring countries and around the world. Someone might be reluctant to speak up because they fear retaliation, are wary of police, or want to avoid becoming involved in legal proceedings. Crime Stoppers offers a safe solution because people can stay anonymous and share what they know,” she said.

In 2018, Crime Stoppers programs across the nation received 319,861 contacts via the hotline, website and other means, resulting in 145,442 information reports being raised and passed to police. The information those reports contained directly led to 5,406 apprehensions and more than 15,580 charges being laid.

In South Australia, in 2018 a total of 21,431 calls and 3,927 online contacts led to 12,127 reports being taken and 10,561 actions issued for investigation. That saw 822 apprehensions and 1266 charges laid for a wide variety of crimes as well as 5 clandestine laboratories shut down and 8 firearms seized.

Crime Stoppers SA Chair, Ms Sharon Hanlon, said the independently-commission Impact Report estimates the economic value of Crime Stoppers to Australia as $170m, with an additional $66m in added value from drugs being seized, property returned, and crimes being prevented.

“Every dollar invested in Crime Stoppers delivers an outstanding $11.15 in return value. That’s a great result for the 77% of Australians who actively want to help prevent crimes from happening – and reinforces that Crime Stoppers operates in a way that encourages, enables and supports community participation,” she said.

“For an organisation which prominently features a volunteer leadership base, these are great results thanks to the community, media outlets, our corporate and government program partners and our many volunteers.”

“As we celebrate Crime Stoppers Day 2019 we want people to know that everyone can play a part in making a safer community by sharing information about criminal activity with Crime Stoppers by calling our toll-free national hotline on 1800 333 000 or going to www.crimestoppers.com.au

 

Information provided to Crime Stoppers SA during March assisted in the seizure of a number of firearms and dangerous weapons. These were taken off the streets and out of the hands of criminals. The seizure consisted of ammunition, crossbows, knuckle dusters, slingshots, batons and tasers.

In addition to nearly 60 calls about firearms, we were contacted about a number of vandalism offences, a serious crash at McLaren Vale, a home invasion and an aggravated robbery.

Tip offs led to 65 apprehensions during the month, including 35 men and 6 women charged with a range of serious offences that included trafficking a controlled drug, firearms and weapons offences and possessing commercial quantities of meth-amphetamine.

Our weekly crime segments on 9News Adelaide asked for help to solve the cold case bashing murder of Peter Seaford in 1989, as well as a serious hit and run at Blakeview that left a 22-year old woman with serious injuries.

Watch these and other weekly crime segments at https://www.youtube.com/user/SIBSACrimeStoppers

Other March 2019 results included:

• 1974 calls and 391 online reports received;
• 1126 intelligence reports raised,
• 1016 actions issued for investigation;
• 88g of Amphetamine seized;
• 110 cannabis plants and 8.9kg of dried cannabis located;
• $47625 cash confiscated;
• 8,150 people visited the Crime Stoppers SA website, resulting in 24,608 page views;

If you have any information about criminal activity and unsolved crimes, then call our free hotline on 1800 333 000, go to crimestopperssa.com.au or download the free Report Suspicious Behaviour app for iOS and Android phones. 

Rewards are available and you can remain anonymous.

With many South Australians now finalising plans to hop off for an Easter break, Crime Stoppers SA has partnered with Police Credit Union to remind people that a few basic security precautions around the home will help to keep thieves at bay and property protected.

Crime Stoppers SA Chair, Ms Sharon Hanlon, said: “Assuming your home will be safe without taking a few basic precautions is never the best approach. No one wants to spend the long weekend on edge worrying whether a home is a likely target for thieves or return to find that someone has broken into your home and taken treasured possessions.”

Crime Stoppers SA and Police Credit Union recommend the following tips for home owners to consider:

Lock up before you leave

Unlocked windows and doors continue to be the biggest security weakness for many burgled Australian homes. Take time to double-check that all windows and doors are locked, and make sure that sheds, garage doors, and side gates are all locked too.

Consider a home security system

When it comes to choosing a home security system, it can be as simple or as complex as you want. Options range from a basic intruder alarm from a hardware store that covers entry points like windows and doors, through to a security alarm system with motion sensors that protect a home and garage. The tech-savvy might even want to opt for a closed-circuit camera to film any unwelcome guests that can be accessed via a smartphone app that sends an alert when an intruder is detected.

And if you already have a security system, check to make sure it is working properly, and remember to turn it on!

Hide away spare keys

It’s not uncommon for people to leave spare house key tucked under a plant pot or doormat. Unfortunately, thieves know that too – so give a spare key to someone you trust instead. If you have any cars left at home while you’re away, don’t leave the keys in plain sight because it might tempt a thief to make off with your vehicle too.

Install outdoor sensor lights

Because outdoor sensor lights are activated by movement, they are a great way to spotlight any would-be intruder lurking in the shadows. Being illuminated for neighbours and passers-by to see is a sure way to deter burglars – but put sensor lights to the test before heading away.

Arrange mail and newspaper deliveries

Consider asking a trusted neighbour to collect the newspaper while you’re away or suspend it for the long weekend to avoid any pile-ups in your front yard.

Consider light timers

A dark house is a sure-fire giveaway that no one is home, so invest in some light timers to turn your lights on and off at intervals to that lived-in look.

Opt for a house- or pet-sitter

If your four-legged friend isn’t going away with you, consider having a friend or family member stay at your home while you’re away. Not only will they take care of any pets, it is the best way to secure your home against theft because it will still be occupied, and they can collect the mail, pick up newspapers, and put out bins if needed.

Put away any outdoor equipment

While a thief might leave your house contents intact, outdoor belongings can still be stolen – so put away valuable outdoor equipment and furniture, barbecue, sports gear and toys, and bicycles. It is a good idea to lock away any tools or garden implements because an opportunistic thief can use them to smash their way inside.

Make a record

Make an inventory of all your property, with photographs, engravings, marks and any other relevant details. Not only will it make stolen property easier to trace, it can help with any home insurance claim that you might have to make. Consider marking items with your name and/or your driver’s licence number, and remember to record details of a manufacturer, model name or number, and any serial number of your most prized possessions.

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

As one of South Australia’s most successful and trusted not-for-profit charities, Crime Stoppers SA has launched a Go Fund Me page and called for community support to help fight country crime.

Crime Stoppers South Australia chair, Ms Sharon Hanlon, said this was the first time the crime-solving organisation had turned to a crowd funding solution to help fund one of its state-wide campaigns.

“We rely on and actively seek support from state government and the business community but tightening of our funding position has forced us to consider all avenues to raise funds – and we hope that South Australians recognise the value that comes with the Crime Stoppers program and are generous in their support,” Ms Hanlon said.

“We believe that a regional and rural campaign is of critical importance to every South Australian, whether they live or work in a country area or not. We know that regional and farming communities are already doing it tough and becoming a victim of crime or having crime occur in these tight-knit communities has a major impact on public confidence,” she said.

The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) says crime in rural areas is increasing, with farm crime rates at their highest in either highly accessible or very remote areas. 

“Livestock theft across SA left farmers $1.2 million out of pocket in 2016/17. In addition, farms have experienced theft of farm machinery, equipment, vehicles, material, tools and spare parts – all of which are needed to stay operational. Adding to the concern, theft of produce, seed and grain– as well as deliberately lit bushfires – can bring farming communities to their knees,” Ms Hanlon said.

“Research shows that farmhouse burglary impacts 17% of all farms. Disturbingly, more than half of farm crime victims are normally affected more than once – reinforcing the urgent need for a targeted crime prevention, detection and reporting strategy to catch those responsible,” she said.

“Notably, patterns of offending suggest a high level of planning and organisation by a small group of repeat offenders who are probably responsible for a significant amount of the higher value losses in terms of livestock and farm equipment.”

According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, crime in rural areas is increasing, with rural and regional crime research indicating that crime rates are greatest in:

• highly accessible areas (close to regional or urban centres) where properties tend to experience theft of farm machinery, vehicles or tools, or burglary; or
• very remote areas, where properties experience the highest levels of livestock theft, illegal hunting and fishing, theft of materials, and illegal dumping of waste.

In line with broader community trends, rural Australia is also impacted by drugs. The 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey found that rates of methamphetamine use were twice as high in remote or very remote areas compared to major cities.

“Thieves are becoming more organised, going to the effort and trouble of concealing their crime by dismantling and rehanging gates, having dogs debarked, and operating by moonlight in order to avoid the potential for being seen. There have even been reports of thieves stealing sheep for the value of their wool, and then returning a flock after shearing,” Ms Hanlon said.

 “People wrongly assume that Crime Stoppers  is part of the South Australia Police or already funded by State Government. That is not the case, which is why as an independent not-for-profit charity we need to do all we can to raise funds to cover operational costs and deliver award-winning crime solving and awareness campaigns. We also continue to self-fund our rewards program, with nearly $250,000 paid to members of the community for the information they have provided.”

The Go Fund Me target is $150,000, with 100% of all money received by Crime Stoppers to be directly spent on development and delivery of the campaign across country SA locations.

To make a donation, go to https://www.gofundme.com/crime-stoppers-sa

If anyone has information about criminals or criminal activity, they can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

People can remain anonymous and rewards are available.

Program fast facts:

• Since the program began in SA, more than 32,500 crimes have been solved, and more than 21,000 people apprehended.
• While every second contact to Crime Stoppers is a drug-related matter, people provide information about a broad range of crimes and suspected criminal activity, including murder, arson, fraud, robbery and much more.
• An average of 25 crimes are solved every week as a direct result of information provided to Crime Stoppers.
• In South Australia, one apprehension is made for every seven calls received, and on average about 1780 calls and nearly 400 online reports are received every month.
• 2018 program results: more than 25,000 phone and web reports were received during the year, resulting in 822 apprehensions. In addition to 82 firearms seized during the year, information provided by the community stopped an estimated 80,035 cannabis and 12,227 amphetamine street deals in South Australia.
• An independent report commissioned by Crime Stoppers Australia in 2018 found that the program remains Australia’s most recognised and pre-eminent information reporting service, delivering a return of $11.15 in additional value for every dollar invested. The report also found that 82% of people feel safer knowing the program is in place, and 62% said Crime Stoppers made it more likely they would report information.

February saw nearly 180 calls made to Crime Stoppers SA about drug growing, making and selling activity – reinforcing that the destructive impact of drugs remains a real concern for people in the community.

In addition, 43 calls were about firearms, providing investigators with good leads to follow and resulting in three firearms being located along with an array of other illegal weapons.

People helped to identify a man and woman wanted in relation to a theft in Nuriootpa, and provided valuable information about serious criminal trespass incidents at Surrey Downs, Bellevue Heights, two Wells and Lewiston, a Para Hills chemist robbery, assaults in the city  and a robbery at the Gepps Cross Drive In.

Information from the community led to 50 apprehensions during February, including 23 men and 6 women charged with a range of serious offences.

Our weekly crime segments on 9News Adelaide during the month asked for help to solve an aggravated indecent assault at Paralowie, a robbery of a female jogger at Freemont Park at Elizabeth, and a break in at a Fitzroy property where credit cards were stolen and later used. We also partnered with SA Police to encourage people to be safe during ‘Mad March’ celebrations.

Watch these and other weekly crime segments at https://www.youtube.com/user/SIBSACrimeStoppers

Other February 2019 results included:

• More than 2000 calls and nearly 400 online reports received;
• 1027 intelligence reports raised,
• 906 actions issued for investigation;
• 239g of Amphetamine and 200ml of Fantasy GHB seized;
• 163 cannabis plants and 4.2kg of dried cannabis located;
• 7,614 people visited the Crime Stoppers SA website, resulting in 22,44 page views;

If you have any information about criminal activity and unsolved crimes, then don’t forget that you can call our free hotline on 1800 333 000, go to crimestopperssa.com.au or download the free Report Suspicious Behaviour app for iOS and Android phones. 

Don’t forget that rewards are available and you can remain anonymous – it’s your choice.

In 2016, an estimated 40 million people were victims of slavery across the world.

Thursday 14th March is #MyFreedomDay – and gives us all an opportunity to stop and think about what makes you feel free, raise awareness of modern slavery and celebrate freedom.

Please report suspicious activity that could be linked to human trafficking to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or making a report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

The year started off with calls and online reports about a number of high-profile incidents, including the death of a woman in the South Parklands, the murder of a man late last year at Para Vista drug house, the bashing murder of Elizabeth South man Mark Boyce and the disappearance and presumed murder of Rhianna Barreau (pictured below) in 1992.

In total, Crime Stoppers SA received more than 2000 calls from people and 381 reports submitted using the website or Report Suspicious Behaviour app during the month.

People provided valuable information about an indecent assault at the University of Adelaide, an aggravated robbery in North Adelaide, arson attacks on the Nangwarry Football Club and the Smithfield Plains High School, and fatal crashes at Salisbury and on the Coorong.

Information from the community led to 42 apprehensions during January, including 13 men and 2 women charged with a range of serious drug and other offences.

We continued our support of the national Dob in a Dealer campaign, asking people living along the Limestone Coast to provide information about anyone making or dealing drugs.

Our first weekly crime segment on 9News Adelaide for the year reminded people to look out for bushfire arsonists during the Fire Danger Season.

Watch these and other weekly crime segments at https://www.youtube.com/user/SIBSACrimeStoppers

Other January 2019 results included:

• 1150 intelligence reports raised,
• 1035 actions issued for investigation;
• 170g of Amphetamine and 6.5gm of ecstasy seized;
• 61 cannabis plants and 109gm of dried cannabis located;
• More than 7,600 people visited the Crime Stoppers SA website, resulting in 27,000 page views;

If you have any information about criminal activity and unsolved crimes, then don’t forget that you can call our free hotline on 1800 333 000, go to crimestopperssa.com.au or download the free Report Suspicious Behaviour app for iOS and Android phones. 

Don’t forget that rewards are available and you can remain anonymous – it’s your choice.

Valentine’s Day might be that perfect opportunity for star-crossed lovers around the world to share their heartfelt attraction to a potential partner, but it is also an opportunity for heartless scammers to prey on the lonely and vulnerable within the community.

To help protect those looking for love, Crime Stoppers South Australia encourages people to be on the lookout for signs that they are being scammed, and how to stay safe when meeting someone new for the first time.

Crime Stoppers South Australia chair, Ms Sharon Hanlon, said that while dating should be a fun and safe experience, important rules apply whether meeting someone online or in person for the first time.

“It is important for people to trust their instincts and remember that if something sounds too good to be true it probably is, and never, ever get financially involved with someone you hardly know,” Ms Hanlon said.

“Online dating sites are an increasingly popular option for many looking for love, but it is important to safeguard your privacy and anonymity. Don’t rush into meeting someone offline, and only exchange personal details when you are comfortable to do so,” Ms Hanlon said.

“If you do get to that point where you want to share contact details, consider using a free email service provider such as Gmail, Yahoo! or Hotmail in preference to a work email address. The more information you provide, the easier it is for someone to find out more about you via any social media account, online searching, or even contacting your employer under false pretences,” she said.

“It is hard to gauge how many people have actually fallen victims to a love scam because often victims are too embarrassed to come forward. Avoid putting yourself in that position by never sending money or offering financial assistance to someone you’re just getting to know – even if they claim it’s an emergency or promise to pay you back.”

“Dating scammers often try and trick their victims into falling in love and then deceitfully take their money. If someone you’ve met online but never met in person asks you to loan or gift them money then alarm bells should be ringing.”

It is estimated that lonely people are part of the many South Australians that are being duped for more than $10,000 every day by unscrupulous thieves. In fact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission found that scammers fleeced South Australians out of $3.67 million in 2017 using a variety of deceptions – including classic romance scams.

Around 30 per cent of dating and romance scams reported were conducted via social media sites, most commonly on Facebook.

Some other safe dating tips include:

• Meet when you are ready – you are not obliged to meet anyone so don’t feel pressured. Regardless of how much communication you’ve had online, take all the time you need to become comfortable with someone before sharing any contact details.
• Talk on the phone – before jumping into a face-to-face meeting, think about having a chat on the phone before you meet – and consider using your mobile instead of sharing your home or work number.
• Pick a safe place – the ideal spot will be in a well-lit public location, with plenty of people around, is easy to get to and where you will feel comfortable. If possible, have your own transport to begin with rather than accepting any offer to be picked up.
• Tell a friend – on the first date, let a trusted friend know where you will be and give them your date’s contact number and name. Think about asking that person to call at a pre-determined time for a safety check-in. If the date is a dud, it makes for a good excuse to cut the date short. Make sure you’ve charged your mobile before heading out.
• Watch your drink – never leave your drink unattended. It is very quick and easy to spike a drink so don’t give anyone that opportunity.

“Always be aware of your surroundings, stay vigilant, and if you feel in danger when out with someone new then move and consider calling for help,” Ms Hanlon said.

If you have any information about criminals or criminal activity then call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

People can remain anonymous and rewards are available.