'Silence won't stop violence': Crimestoppers urges people to speak out over violent crime

The appeal has been launched as new figures show knife crime reports to the charity have gone up up over 300 per cent in four years, with information about guns up by a third.

Crimestoppers said that in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, there has never been a greater need to protect communities and the National Health Service.

The charity said there has been a 93 per cent rise in UK hospital admissions for knife attacks on under-16s since 2012.

Information the charity has received over the past four years about knife crime has rocketed by 340 per cent, whilst firearms information passed on has risen over the same period by a third – 33 per cent.

But Crimestoppers claims that over half of all violent incidents are not reported to the police.

The ‘Silence Won’t Stop Violence’ campaign aims to break the wall of silence which often exists to protect offenders.

It also urges people to pass on information to prevent crimes.

Gemma Gibbs, Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Violence in all its forms, has a significant impact on communities across Yorkshire and the Humber; from victims of domestic abuse, to young people carrying knives, its ripple effect can fuel the fear of crime, tear apart families, and overstretch our health service who have to deal with the resulting physical and emotional trauma.

“We recognise that you may be close to crime, but may also want to do the right thing and bring violence in your community to an end. If you know who may be carrying weapons or threatening or harming others, you can tell us 100 per cent anonymously.”

The charity added: “Your information can help bring justice to victims of violent crime and help prevent future incidents.

“No matter how far down the wrong road you’ve gone - you can always turn back.

“You have the ability to prevent violent crime through telling us what you know in advance of planned violent attacks.”

To pass on information call Crimestoppers on 0800 111555.