Community urged to help solve crime on Crime Stoppers Day 2018

Monday, 21 May 2018

• Crime Stoppers Day - May 21
• $33,815 Lotterywest grant to set up multilingual reporting capability on the Crime Stoppers WA website
• More than 52,000 calls and online contacts to Crime Stoppers in 2017 

Police Minister Michelle Roberts has taken the opportunity for Crime Stoppers Day 2018 to highlight the importance of communities helping to solve crime.

The Minister has announced a $33,815 Lotterywest grant will go towards developing a multilingual reporting capability on the Crime Stoppers WA website.

Western Australia is one of the most diverse and fastest growing States with more than 240 languages spoken.

The most recent Census data shows more than 17 per cent of Western Australians speak a language other than English at home.

Previously, people with English as a second language had to ring Crime Stoppers WA and request access to an interpretive service.

The new website feature means people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can provide information more easily and without delay.

Mrs Roberts thanked members of the Ethnic Communities Council of WA, who have offered their translation expertise to ensure the reporting platform is available in as many different languages as possible.

Comments attributed to Police Minister Michelle Roberts:

"Crime Stoppers is a valuable tool for the community to provide information about criminal activity.

"Last year alone there were more than 1,500 direct arrests in Western Australia as a result of information provided to Crime Stoppers.

"This new initiative will expand the reach and access of Crime Stoppers WA, and allow people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to participate in helping to keep their community safe.

"I want to take the opportunity to thank the hardworking team at Crime Stoppers WA, and remind the community to report suspicious and criminal activity on the Crime Stoppers' number 1800 333 000 or you can make a report online at https://www.crimestopperswa.com.au."