Crime Stop once again proved to be a very successful Community Policing project during 1998. As a result of Crime Stop initiative the SAPS recovered exhibits in excess of 44 million rand, more than 13,000 information pieces were investigated as a direct result of information received via the 08 00 11 12 13 number and almost 1,200 alleged offenders were arrested. During 1998 alone, 1,064 stolen vehicles were recovered.
The main purpose and function of Crime Stop office is to encourage the public to contribute any piece of information which can assist the South African Police Service in combating or in the investigation of crime.
Over and above the function of receiving information Crime Stop has two additional responsibilities ie: the Bureau of Missing Persons Project and the Captain Crime Stop Project. These projects are to generate intelligence regarding the mandate of Crime Stop.
Since the inception of the National Bureau for Missing Persons in 1994 until December 1998, 9,895 persons were reported missing at the Bureau of which 6,464 were found and returned to their families. Prior to this, the success rate of locating missing persons was negligible.
The public is requested to report missing persons to the nearest police station immediately and to furnish us with a recent photograph and as much detail as possible.
The concept of Crime Stop began as early as in 1976 in ALBURQUEQUE, NEW MEXICO. Frustrated by a lack of clues, it was decided by law enforcement authorities to recruit the assistance of the public in the fight against crime. So successful was this effort that it was expanded international with more than 1000 programmes throughout the world internationally known as "CRIME STOPPERS".
The South African Police Service enlisted into this programme in 1992 and it has since proved to be a very successful community policing project.
Crime Stop also experiences a lot of apathy from the public for the following reasons:
It is also very unfortunate to mention that a major portion of the telephone calls received at the office of Crime Stop did not contribute to the fight against crime in any way but rather consisted of the constant abuse of the Crime Stop interviewers and enquiries which are not policing related.
These types of calls not only prevent real contributions from reaching Crime Stop for genuine reasons but leads to frustration and stress for the Crime Stop interviewers.
Crime Stop assures the public of total anonymity and offers financial renumeration for information received.
The South African Police Service expresses its sincere gratitude to the public for their co-operation without which a project of this nature will certainly have not been a success. This project demonstrates successful police/community relations.
The community is urged to utilise the Crime Stop facility in order to make a significant contribution in the fight against crime.
Any person with information is to please contact CRIME STOP at 0800 11 12 13
For any further enquiries please contact Snr Supt Faizel Abdul-Kader at 082 808 6438