Developer's Crimestoppers drive

Property developer Fred Pritchard has launched his own crime-fighting initiative after labelling all of his Staffordshire company's vehicles with the Crimestoppers number.

The millionaire businessman, who is spearheading regeneration efforts across Cannock Chase, is also a member of the Staffordshire Crimestoppers Panel and wanted to raise awareness of the telephone number.

He has also called on other large employers to follow his example and have the Crimestoppers logo and hotline displayed on their own fleets. Crimestoppers is a charity set up to help police apprehend criminals using anonymous information from the public.

People can ring the hotline on 0800 555 111 and pass on any information in confidence. They can even receive a reward if the information leads to a conviction.

Mr Pritchard said: "It is essential that the public act to assist the police in their apprehension of criminals and the general public are in an ideal position to do this.

"Crime costs the nation millions of pounds every year, let alone the ongoing effect, with the damage it creates in communities. I call on other employers to carry the Crimestoppers number on their vehicles to increase awareness of this anonymous hotline and to increase the information being supplied.

"Increased reporting will assist the police in reducing crime with the support and assistance of knowledge supplied by members of the community."

Businesses looking to display the Crimestoppers livery on their vehicles or even just in business windows and doorways should contact Marie Foskett on 01785 232361.