Crime Stoppers Tasmania is urging the public to focus on reporting drug and theft matters over its week-long campaign drive.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The organisation’s chairman David Daniels said Crime Stoppers Tasmania did not want drug users to be targeted, rather those at the source of the crime.
“Information about the supply, manufacture and distribution of drugs are our target and no piece of information is too big or too small,” he said.
Mr Daniels said information reports relayed to Crime Stoppers Tasmania regarding stealing, including shoplifting, had increased by about 52 per cent for the first four months of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017.
“Many people often overlook shoplifting as a small crime, however, some evidence suggests retail loss costs the average Australian household more than $424 per year with total cost to Australian retailers at approximately $2.7 billion per year,” Mr Daniels said.
The organisation has received an increased level of reporting on drug matters and thefts.
Crime Stoppers Tasmania chief executive Ron Franks said typically 8000 calls were received each year with up to 3000 of these presenting viable information.
He said all information was received anonymously.
"Any person who feels threatened in terms of providing information can be assured that the anonymity that we provide is to help them overcome any fear of repercussion," Mr Franks said.
Detective Acting Inspector Jim Semmens, from Hobart’s crime investigation branch, said information received through Crimestoppers often formed “the missing piece of the puzzle” in a criminal investigation.
He said anonymous reporting through Crime Stoppers meant even police did not know the information source.
Anyone with information on illicit drugs, theft, or any other crime is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au