Most Wanted criminals website praised by Surrey Police

Nov 28 2008 By Steve Bax

Crimestoppers - the charity devoted to solving crime and taking criminals off the street - has been congratulated by Surrey Police for three successful years of running it's 'Most Wanted' appeals.

Since November 21 2006 the charity has assisted police forces by featuring the mugshots of wanted criminals on its website, and so far some 414 people have been arrested and charged.

Detective superintendent Brian Russell of Surrey Police said "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Crimestoppers on the third anniversary of their very successful 'Most Wanted' website. Surrey Police have successfully used the site on a number of occasions in support of a wide range of investigations."

Nationally the arrests include the crimes of murder, rape, robbery, drug smuggling, assault and burglary.

Crimestoppers’ director of operations, Dave Cording, said: “Only this week a wanted child sex offender turned himself in Spain because he could no longer take the pressure of having his details posted on Most Wanted. In three years the system has become increasingly popular with UK law enforcement as they recognise its potential as an essential way of engaging with the public about crime in their communities.”

The site has clocked up more than 196m hits and has featured 2,141 most wanted appeals with 300 currently on the site, at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/in-your-area/south-east/surrey/campaigns

Kevin Morris, Chairman of Surrey Crimestoppers, said: “Any tool that helps Surrey Police find wanted suspects makes Surrey a safer place to live in. Crimestoppers’ Most Wanted site can provide the public an anonymous way of giving the whereabouts of wanted suspects in Surrey safely to Surrey Police with no one knowing who made the call or sent the email.”

Most Wanted is the only national online resource of suspected criminals wanted by the police brought together under one roof. The public can view photographs, CCTV stills and descriptions of suspects and then if they recognise someone they can contact the police. Or if they wish to remain anonymous, they can complete an online form, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.