A new campaign has been launched by the charity Crimestoppers and a number of town councils in South Gwynedd to help reduce crime by encouraging residents to speak up and pass on their information completely anonymously.

The campaign is in partnership with Porthmadog, Barmouth, Pwllheli and Blaenau Ffestiniog town councils and includes a leaflet drop, posters and social media engagement. Crimestoppers’ youth service Fearless will also have a presence with a dedicated youth worker leading workshops in local schools.

Gwynedd is one of the safest and most beautiful parts of Britain. However, this is being exploited by a small minority of local people as well as others who travel to the area to carry out crime.

The campaign seeks to encourage those who live locally to help make their community safer and cut crime by contacting Crimestoppers. The charity guarantees everyone who calls or uses their online form to pass on what they know stays 100% anonymous.

The community has a vital role to play in helping stop drug dealing and other crimes that are fuelled by it, such as burglary, theft from cars, vans and shops, the sale of stolen goods and violence.

People within the community know those who regularly bring crime to the area, but may not want to speak directly to the police. Crimestoppers is here to help and offers a safe and trusted option.

Last year over 1,600 people from across North Wales contacted Crimestoppers – this is an increase of over 20% and their information led to numerous arrests and convictions.

Gary Murray, North West Regional Manager for the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Our charity has kept its promise of anonymity to the millions of people who have trusted us with their crime information since we began over 32 years ago. We believe everyone has the right to feel safe from crime and are delighted to be working together with each of the town councils on this campaign. It’s a great example of the community coming together with Crimestoppers to help make our towns safer for everyone.

“There is a particularly worrying new trend in North Wales of criminals travelling to the area from Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester to expand their drug dealing networks by exploiting young people and others who can be described as vulnerable. We desperately need the public’s help to identify them and those who are being exploited.

“When you contact Crimestoppers we never ask your name. Won’t judge. Just listen to what you know. When you hang up the phone or click `send’, you’re done. It’s a safe way for you to make a difference and help protect the community and people you care about from harm.”

To pass on what you know, call our UK Contact Centre 24/7 on freephone 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org and complete a simple anonymous online form.

f you feel that someone is in imminent danger and needs help straight away dial 999, or if you wish to talk to the police please contact them on 101.