Victims & Witnesses
Crimestoppers Evaluation
Crimestoppers provides free, anonymous telephone access to police services across 29 regions of the British Isles. To evaluate its effectiveness, the study analyses both national data and information from three Crimestoppers regions. The Home Office has published a briefing note that assesses Crimestoppers contribution to the detection, investigation and prosecution of crimes, attempts to quantify the inputs, outputs, outcomes and cost effectiveness of the scheme and identifies areas where the performance of Crimestoppers might be improved.
Impact of Crimestoppers
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The study found that Crimestoppers’ own figures for effectiveness underestimate their actual worth.
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From the half a million calls received in 2000, at least 17% of the calls on which action was taken resulted in an arrest, charge or caution.
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In addition, Crimestoppers was responsible for the recovery of at least £3,773,616 worth of stolen property. In financial terms, Crimestoppers appears to yield benefits at least equal to and possibly well in excess of its cost.
Recommendations for improving Crimestoppers
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The amount of corroborative research undertaken before information from Crimestoppers calls is passed onto an investigating officer should be increased.
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There should be more feedback from investigating officers to the Crimestoppers units.
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Efforts should be made to increase the numbers of calls to Crimestoppers that are answered by an officer.
Download
the briefing note in full 
PDF 86Kb
Last update: 12/09/03