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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.

More than 25,000 phone and web reports received by Crime Stoppers SA in 2018 stopped an estimated 80,035 cannabis and 12,227 amphetamine street deals in South Australia. In addition, a total of 822 apprehensions were made directly as a result of information provided through the successful community engagement program, with a number of serious charges laid for drug, firearm, sexual offences and offences against property.

Crime Stoppers South Australia chair, Ms Sharon Hanlon, said 21,431 calls and 3,927 online contacts during the 2018 calendar year led to 12,127 reports being taken and 10,561 actions issued for investigation.

“Last year information provided by the South Australian community to Crime Stoppers led to 822 apprehensions and 1266 charges laid for a wide variety of crimes. These strong results show, yet again, that every piece of information helps to advance an investigation or provides valuable intelligence that can be further explored by investigators,” Ms Hanlon said.

“People trust the option to remain anonymous to share information with Crime Stoppers, which led to 553 reports raised regarding murder investigations. Crime Stoppers SA encouraged the community to come forward with information about a range of serious crimes, including the murder of Martin Meffert, presumed murders of Scott Redman and Tanja Ebert, and the murders of teenager Karen Williams, Anna Rosa Liva, Colin Ernest Williams and Andrew “Wilbur” Williamson in Coober Pedy,” she said.

Another highlight was the launch of the highly-successful Make The Call campaign in February 2018 in response to signs that methamphetamine use in South Australia had tripled over a 5-year period. In addition to a series of regional roadshows, the campaign had materials produced in Mandarin, Vietnamese and Arabic, while print radio, TV and social media advertising reached an estimated 1 million South Australians. A total of 59 people were apprehended for a range of offences, 5 clandestine laboratories shut down, 8 firearms located and cash/stolen property seized.

Crime Stoppers SA also initiated the SA-component of the national Dob in a Dealer campaign, with local activities conducted in the Limestone Coast, Adelaide Hills, and Kangaroo Island, Far West Coast and Copper Coast to encourage anyone with information about the making, growing or selling of drugs to take a stand and provide information.

 “Crime Stoppers SA continued to work alongside our major program partner, Police Credit Union, to support better communities by developing a number of crime-fighting, awareness and prevention campaigns across metropolitan and regional areas. We also celebrated a renewed 3-year commitment with our official TV partner – 9 News Adelaide – which unlocked the power of television to engage with South Australians to help solve some of the state’s most heinous crimes.”

During 2018, Crime Stoppers SA was again recognised for its innovative initiatives and was announced the winner of three major categories in the prestigious 2018 Crime Stoppers International annual awards. A trio of awards was achieved in recognition of efforts to help solve the cold case murder of Port Lincoln woman, Susan Goodwin, the unsolved murder of Martin Meffert, and a personal safety campaign in partnership with Police Credit Union for people enjoying the end-of-year party period.

The 2018 program results for Crime Stoppers SA include:

• 21,431 phone calls and 3,927 online contacts from people wanting to share information;
• 822 apprehensions including wanted fugitives, arsonists, and suspects wanted for robberies, theft and assault;
• 1,266 charges laid for drug dealing, firearms, robbery, serious assault and sexual offences; and 
• 82 firearms seized – including ammunition and a range of illegal accessories.

DRUGS

• 2289 plants and 224kg of cannabis seized;
• Closure of 10 clandestine drug labs;
• 679.7g of amphetamine seized;
• 183 ecstasy tablets confiscated.

MAJOR APPREHENSIONS

A number of serious crimes were also solved during 2018, which included:

• 2 Serious sexual offences;
• 4 Serious offences against property;
• 19 Serious firearms offences (includes 9 drug offences);
• 82 Serious drug offences (includes 22 weapons and firearm offences); and
• 5 Other serious offences (includes 1 firearm offence).

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

The highly successful SA Police ‘cold case’ campaign, Operation Persist, is entering a fresh phase. New strategies which are occurring in partnership with Crime Stoppers SA, the Department for Correctional Services and the Commissioner for Victims’ Rights were unveiled today.

In addition to the long-term, unsolved South Australia murder cases coming under renewed scrutiny by experienced investigators, a second set of playing cards highlighting cases is being distributed to prisoners in SA jails and additional information screens are being installed at Department for Correctional Services facilities.

Both the playing cards and screens highlight unsolved murder cases and the rewards which are available for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible.

Led by the Major Crime Investigation Branch, Operation Persist has used a range of tactics in order to progress long-term murder cases since it was launched in 2015.

Today, acting Deputy Commissioner Scott Duval said the new initiatives were being rolled out thanks to funding from Crime Stoppers SA and the Commissioner for Victims’ Rights, along with the support of Correctional Services.

“Through both the provision of information on large TV screens and the provision of playing cards we are deliberately targeting both prisoner populations, and individuals who visit the offices of Correctional Services,” he said.

“This innovative cold case campaign has been successful because of the co-operation of a wide range of agencies and services, including the use of a targeted media campaign to highlight cases.”

The co-operative effort was welcomed today by Correctional Services Chief Executive David Brown, Crime Stoppers SA Chair, Sharon Hanlon, and the Commissioner for Victims’ Rights Bronwyn Killmier.

Mr Brown said the Department for Correctional Services fully supports “any initiative that may provide closure to the victims of unsolved crimes.”

“The provision of information screens in our prisons and Community Corrections Centres provides another avenue for drawing the attention of people who might know something about an unsolved crime,” he said.

“Around 6000 people pass through our prison system each year, with the department supervising around 7000 people in the community. This means a significant amount of people are being exposed to the information and the rewards.”

Ms Hanlon welcomed the targeted approach used in the Operation Persist campaign.

“We know that cold case murders are most likely to be solved by information provided from someone on the criminal fringe or a family member of someone who is – so these tactics take our plea directly to the people who can make a difference,” she said.

“Crime Stoppers, as the trusted, independent link between the community and police, is perfectly positioned to play a key crime-solving role by encouraging people to share what they know under the assurance of anonymity.”

The Commissioner for Victims’ Rights, Bronwyn Killmier, she too was pleased to be able to support the initiatives “which seek to shed light on crimes that have remained unsolved for decades.”

“Often, the work of SA Police through initiatives like Operation Persist can help families and friends of those murdered to recover and our hope is that this will help encourage people to come forward with information that can help end their uncertainty.”

Photo: Correctional Services Chief Executive David Brown, SA Police acting Deputy Commissioner Scott Duval, Crime Stoppers SA Chair, Sharon Hanlon, and the Commissioner for Victims’ Rights Bronwyn Killmier.

Other Operation Persist tactics have included the full case reviews of unsolved murders, rewards being offered in connection with those – both for a conviction, but also for the recovery of remains where a body has not been located – a strategic media campaign and the identification of new forensic opportunities.

Police also identified 169 people previously convicted in South Australia of either murder or manslaughter dating back to the 1960s who were not currently recorded on the DNA database.

A program had been undertaken to obtain DNA and/or fingerprints from those individuals to cross-checked with evidence taken from other crime scenes, which to date has seen a back capture of material from 54 individuals living in SA. Another 53 offenders have been identified as living interstate with the remainder either dead or living overseas.

Another component of Operation Persist has been to seek public help in relation a number of unsolved matters, by highlighting each case either in the Sunday Mail newspaper or on Crime Stopper’s television partner Channel 9.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Duval said the various elements of Operation Persist which had been put into place by police over three years had meshed together to produce positive results.

“Among those is the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the murder of Dale McCauley in 1998,” he said. “Importantly we were also able to recover the remains of Mr McCauley which provides some peace of mind for his family.”

“These unsolved matters remain active for police even though they may not be in the public spotlight – we never file them away because we know that one piece of information from the right person at the right time can help us bring about a conclusion in the matter.”

Over the last three years South Australia has averaged just under 22 murders a year. While the vast majority of those are solved, any murder case which remains open after 12 months of investigation is classified as a ‘cold’ case.

There are about 110 unsolved cold cases with Major Crime, some of which date back to the 1960s. Rewards totalling more than $37 million are offered for information in connection with those cases.

Anyone with information about any unsolved case is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au/ – callers can remain anonymous.

Photo: the re-print of the first set of playing cards – a second set highlighting different cases has now also been printed.

Operation Persist by the numbers:

·         111 cold cases with Major Crime which relate to 124 individuals

·         Arrests have been made in connection with six murders since Operation Persist began

·         Four cases are before the courts, with two murders (those of Dale McCauley and Jayson Doelz) resolved, leading to the imprisonment of offenders

·         Hundreds of reports to Crime Stoppers

·         Two sets of playing cards distributed in SA Prisons

· Screens displaying information in use in four SA Prisons

· Screens displaying information installed and in use in three Community Corrections Centres in Adelaide, with three others pending

·         More than 80 prisoners have contacted police, with some agreeing to provide evidence

· Information displayed at Adelaide Railway Station

· Recognised internationally with six Crime Stoppers awards

Local drug dealers and manufacturers will have even more reason to look over their shoulder and worry about the constant threat of capture, with Crime Stoppers SA launching its Dob in a Dealer campaign in the Millicent, Robe and Kingston areas of the Limestone Coast.

The local campaign follows similar launch events in other regional SA locations late last year, as well as ongoing community-based activities right across Australia designed to encourage people to anonymously provide information about anyone making, growing or selling drugs.

The Dob in a Dealer campaign is a nation-wide program funded by the Federal Government to stop Australia’s supply chain of illicit drugs including methylamphetamine (ice), cocaine, MDMA, heroin and cannabis.

Crime Stoppers South Australia Chair, Ms Sharon Hanlon, said “Drug dealers are often hiding in plain sight within regional communities, with some people finding it easier to turn a blind eye and not speak out for fear of retaliation – but anonymously contacting Crime Stoppers offers a solution.”

“In South Australia, the last Dob in a Dealer campaign which ran from February 2016 to March 2017 saw more than 240 reports made concerning drug related activity, which contributed to a number of arrests and reports and provided police with numerous strong investigative leads that saw the seizure of an array of drugs, firearms and stolen property,” she said.

“Because regional communities are close-knit, people tend to know who is selling drugs to their family, friends and colleagues. They might feel powerless when it comes to doing something about it or think it’s up to someone else, but let’s not kid ourselves about the damage that drug dealers continue to cause. Sitting back and watching dealers destroy the lives of the people you care about should not be an option. We need people to make a difference by contacting Crime Stoppers and sharing what they know.”

Ms Hanlon said the campaign includes distribution of flyers across the region, advertising in local media, and direct engagement with the community.

“Through Dob in a Dealer, we’re asking you to be a mate and look after the welfare of those you care most about by reporting to Crime Stoppers anything you have seen or heard that could relate to the import, manufacture or supply of any illicit drug.”

“Crime Stoppers is a safe, trusted link between the community and police. We don’t need to know who someone is, just what they know. Even if someone has little more than a suspicion that still might be the piece of the puzzle that can make all the difference – so our message is for people to make the call and choose to stay anonymous,” she said.

If you have any information about someone who is manufacturing or dealing drugs, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au. You can remain anonymous.

Anyone with information about manufacturing or dealing any type of illegal drug can anonymously call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au  Rewards are available.

During December, Crime Stoppers SA received more than 1800 calls from people wanting to share what they know about unsolved crimes and criminal activity. That information directly led to eight firearms and an array of other dangerous weapons being seized.

Information also saw 39 apprehensions made by police during the month, including 14 men and 6 women being charged with a range of serious crimes that included drug, firearm and stolen property offences.

A local component of the national Dob in a Dealer campaign was launched on the Far West Coast and Copper Coast to engage those local communities and encourage anyone with information about the making, growing or selling of drugs to take a stand and provide information.

We also continued to promote our anti-graffiti campaign in partnership with DPTI, which offers a reward to anyone that can help convict a public transport vandal.

In partnership with Police Credit Union, our annual bushfire arson campaign was launched to put firebugs in the spotlight, and we delivered a personal safety initiative to help people safely navigate the end-of-year party season.

Throughout December we had 1863 calls made to the 1800 333 000 hotline, while more than 360 reports were received through the Crime Stoppers SA website and the Report Suspicious behaviour app.

In addition to 43 specific calls received about firearms, people also provided information on the unsolved suspected murder of David Fletcher in 2004, whose remains were found dumped at a Moonta quarry, the ongoing investigation of a murder at a Para Vista drug house last year, a violent robbery of a jewellery store at the Ingle Farm Shopping Centre on 11 December 2018, fatal road crashes at Gould Creek and Salisbury North, and a hit-run crash at Black Forest involving a truck.  

Our weekly crime segments on 9News Adelaide profiled the murder of Rodney Larcombe, who was bashed and killed inside his Warradale home in 2013, the cold case murder of Heather Turner more than 21 years ago and a fatal crash at Paradise, in which an elderly male pedestrian was hit and later died in hospital from his injuries.

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

Other December 2018 results included:

• 1015 intelligence reports raised, and 878 actions issued for investigation;
• 8 firearms and $26,000 cash seized;
• More than 6,800 people visited the Crime Stoppers SA website, resulting in 22,700 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.

Information provided to Crime Stoppers SA by South Australians during the Make the Call campaign has delivered major results and significantly disrupted the local drug trade – with five clandestine labs shut down, 59 people apprehended and eight firearms seized.

Of the nearly 4,200 reports made to the not-for-profit organisation during the 6-month campaign, more than 1100 were specifically ice-related.

Crime Stoppers South Australia Chair, Ms Sharon Hanlon, said: “When we launched the 6-month Make the Call campaign in February 2018 we anticipated strong results, but what has been achieved has surpassed all expectations and sends the clear message that the community will not sit idly by and let drug dealers peddle their illegal trade unchallenged.”

“Many people contacted Crime Stoppers using the option of anonymity to provide information that sparked a number of raids and investigations right across the Adelaide metropolitan and regional areas, resulting in illegal drugs and precursor chemicals being seized, as well as Fantasy, Amphetamine, GHB, and Cannabis,” Ms Hanlon said.

“An arsenal of weapons was also discovered which included firearms, tasers, knives, and batons, as well as a treasure trove of stolen property and cash. Some information reports have given police significant intelligence holdings to action immediately, while others have formed part of longer-term investigations,” she said.

“Whether it is in a regional or metropolitan setting, we know that all too often drug dealers are operating their illicit trade in full sight of the community, but people have taken advantage of this opportunity to hold them to account and disrupt the local supply.”

The campaign, which was part-funded by a $200,000 State Government grant, was launched in February 2018 in response to waste water analysis which suggested the use of methamphetamine in South Australia had tripled over a 5-year period in South Australia.

In addition to a series of roadshows across key regional locations campaign materials were produced in Mandarin, Vietnamese and Arabic to engage non-English speaking communities too. Print, radio, TV and social media advertising is estimated to have reached more than 1 million South Australians, enhanced through several community service announcements aired in partnership with Crime Stoppers SA’s media partner, 9 News Adelaide.

Key campaign results include:

• Roadshows in Murray Bridge, Riverland, Port Augusta, Whyalla, Port Pirie, Port Lincoln and Mount Gambier;
• 4193 contacts received or illicit drugs  (1126 specifically related to amphetamines) and 983 actions issued for investigation;
• 28 persons were arrested and 31 reported for a range of offences;
• Five clandestine laboratories located  and 480g of methamphetamine, 7,484mls of fantasy seized, along with cannabis, cocaine, LSD, cannabis oil and prescription medications;
• Eight firearms, ammunition, tasers, batons, knives and an arsenal of other weapons located;
• Nearly $80,000 seized, and property located including phones, jewellery, electronics, tools and bikes.

“While not every contact that we receive necessarily results in an immediate apprehension, every piece of information can make a difference by advancing an investigation or providing intelligence that can be passed to police and further explored by investigators,” Ms Hanlon said.

“With an average of 25 crimes solved every week and more than 32,000 crimes solved since Crime Stoppers began in South Australia as a direct result of information provided by the community, this is a highly effective program that makes SA a far safer place.”

“Our thanks go to the community for their trust in sharing what they know, SA Police for acting on information received, and for the State Government for its financial contribution.”

The Minister for Police, the Hon. Corey Wingard MP said: “Crime Stoppers are an important cog in keeping South Australian communities safe. The information they have received has led to hundreds of arrests and the Liberal State Government will continue to support Crime Stoppers to carry out their role in helping to bring those inclined to break the law to face justice.”

The Make the Call. Cut the Supply. Stop the Hurt campaign – launched in partnership with the State Government and SA Police – encouraged people to provide anonymous information about drug dealers and manufacturers.

Any information about criminals or criminal activity can be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or making a report at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

People can remain anonymous and rewards are available.

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