CRIMESTOPPERS has launched a new campaign highlighting the danger and harm caused by serious organised crime gangs operating in Keighley and Ilkley, and asking people to speak up 100 per cent anonymously if they know who about those who are involved.

The independent charity knows that speaking up about serious crime can be difficult, but anonymous information could be crucial to helping make towns safer.

Serious organised crime has a major negative impact by using violence, weapons and intimidation. Human trafficking and money laundering are also part of its destructive activities.

The six-week campaign includes targeted social media to promote Crimestoppers’ unique service and appealing for information about large-scale criminal gangs in the area.

A Crimestoppers advertising van will be visiting the area on Friday and Saturday (February 28 and 29) to promote the campaign. The van will also feature Fearless.org, the charity’s dedicated youth service offering tailored advice on staying safe. Young people can also pass on what they know about crime via the website completely anonymously.

Rewards of up to £1,000 are available if the information given anonymously to Crimestoppers leads to a positive result.

Gemma Gibbs, Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Manager for the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Our charity is here for those who – for whatever reason – feel unable to speak directly to police, often because they fear retribution or because those involved are too close to home. Many people in the area know exactly who is involved in criminal gangs and exploitation, such as dealing in Class A drugs.

“Do you know of people who don’t have a job but appear to live a lavish lifestyle? Have you seen unusual or suspicious activity, or heard about things happening on your street that you know are harmful and illegal?

“Crimestoppers values safe communities and hope people will support us by giving information about those bringing serious crime to Keighley and Ilkley. Over one thousand people contact us every day, trusting our charity with their crime information whilst staying 100 per cent anonymous.

“We’ve always kept our promise of anonymity since our charity began over 32 years ago. Please do the right thing and help your community by either reporting what you know using our secure and simple online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling our 24/7 UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111. No one will ever know you contacted us and with your help we can make Ilkley and Keighley safer communities for us all.”