| To save lives, Crimestoppers is encouraging locals to speak up anonymously about people smuggling. | |
| The charity wants people to give information that will help save lives, as part of a new campaign launched today. People smugglers commit serious crimes, with many migrants facing life-threatening journeys, often in overcrowded and unsafe vehicles or boats – and not everyone survives the journey. Last year, almost 40,000 people took the life-threatening risk to enter the UK by crossing the English Channel via a small boat. More than 70 people died when attempting to travel to the UK in a small boat. People smuggling gangs typically promise safe passage to the UK, when in reality, they may trick desperate people into making fatal journeys. Crimestoppers, which is independent of the police, is today asking that anyone who knows of someone planning a perilous journey to illegally enter the UK, or with information about dangerous people smugglers, to contact them immediately. The criminals involved in people smuggling are often involved in other harmful activities like drug trafficking and modern-day slavery. Spotting the signs Recognising the signs of organised immigration crime involvement can help protect those at risk and disrupt criminal activities. Here are some key indicators to watch out for: *Within your local community: You may be aware of individuals in your own community involved in illegally bringing vulnerable people into the UK. If you recall any details of your own dangerous journey to the UK, tell Crimestoppers anonymously, it could help save lives. * Suspicious online activity: Report suspicious online activity from social media platforms and mobile messaging apps. Many traffickers use digital channels such as TikTok and Facebook to recruit and exploit victims. * Unusual activity at coastal locations: Suspicious movements at isolated coastal areas in the UK can indicate illegal activities. This often involves boats arriving or departing under the cover of darkness, or people being transferred between vessels. These individuals may then make their way into local communities, blending in and continuing their journey undetected. * People emerging from vehicles: Individuals seen exiting the back of lorries or vans at service stations or roadsides, especially near coastal and port locations, can indicate human smuggling. These individuals may appear disoriented, frightened, or in poor physical condition. What can you do to help stop the criminals behind it? In an emergency always call 999. If you’ve spotted any of the warning signs, witnessed a crime, or know about the criminals involved, tell Crimestoppers 100% anonymously. Details to take note of: * Who is committing the crime? What they look/sound like, the language they speak or the make, model or reg number of any vehicles they use is helpful. * When and where did you see something criminal or suspicious? Again, it’s ok if you don’t have all the precise details, but anything about the location or time, either here in the UK or abroad, could be useful. * What did you see/what do you know? The more descriptive you can get about what you’ve seen, know, or suspect, the better. The clearer the information is, the more helpful it will be to help authorities build the bigger picture. Help save lives Gary Murray, North West regional manager at Crimestoppers, said: “We must remember, people smugglers trade lives for profit. They bring people into the UK illegally and dangerously and it often leads to deaths. “If you have information about someone involved in organised immigration crime or information about somebody who will be smuggled into the UK, tell our charity – you could literally help to save lives. “We know it can be scary to speak up. You don’t want anyone to find out you said anything. At Crimestoppers, we never ask who you are, or where you’re from, just what you know about the crime and the criminals involved. There are no police, no courts and no judgement. “In over 36 years since our charity started, we have always kept our promise of anonymity to everyone who contacts us. Together, we can create a safer, more just society for everyone.” Information can be given 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers in over 150 different languages, 365 days of the year, 24/7, by calling the UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111, or by completing a safe and secure online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org. |
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Wednesday, January 22, 2025
