Armed forces advisor joins fight against crime in Wiltshire as Crimestoppers appeals for volunteers to boost new committee

Matthew McGinn, a technical adviser to the armed forces, has just been appointed Chairperson of the new Wiltshire Crimestoppers Volunteer Committee, the only independent national charity working to solve crime.

This appointment comes as the local community in Wiltshire passed on 751 pieces of information to the police in the area during the last financial year, a figure that the new committee will hope to build on as they work to raise awareness of the charity and deliver new crime prevention campaigns.

Across the UK, Crimestoppers passed just under 100,000 pieces of information to the police during the last financial year resulting in £2.4 million stolen goods recovered and over £9.4 million drugs seized.

Crimestoppers works at a grassroots level across the UK helping to fight crime in local communities. Our volunteer network is integral to this, working with local law enforcement agencies, businesses and other charities, to launch campaigns and events, helping to raise awareness and make communities safer places to live.

Matthew said: “Crimestoppers makes a real difference in the community. It empowers individuals to give information about criminals safely and anonymously. In the short time I’ve been involved with Crimestoppers I’ve been really impressed with the enthusiasm and professionalism of those I’ve met and I look forward to building a new team.”

“Our objectives for the next three months are ambitious and include the proactive recruitment of volunteers, raising funds and the delivery of a local campaign.”

Emily Van Der Lely, Regional Manager for Crimestoppers in Wiltshire, added: “Volunteers bring energy, enthusiasm and a concern for the welfare of the local community. They also bring their own ideas and expertise which is what helps to bring about such fantastic results.

“We are looking forward to working with Matthew and would encourage anyone with a real interest in Crimestoppers to join him by volunteering. We are currently seeking young people (aged 16+) to promote our youth brand Fearless, as well as specialists in communications and fundraising, alongside ‘general’ members with a good sense of humour and a passion to support their local community.”

**Anyone interested in becoming a Crimestoppers volunteer can learn more on the national charity’s website – www.crimestoppers-uk.org  – and then complete the brief, on-line ‘Volunteer Enquiry Form’.