Hidden heroes behind 1.5 million reports.

Crime Stoppers are thanking Victoria’s hidden heroes for bringing forward 1.5 million reports of crime or suspicious activity.

Currently, someone contacts Crime Stoppers every five minutes to share information with the more than 12,000 reports received in March alone.

Crime Stoppers chief executive Stella Smith expressed his gratitude to the community.

“We know it takes courage to come forward and speak out, anonymously or not, and we should be very proud of the people who help make our community safer,” Ms Smith said.

Crime Stoppers Victoria was launched in 1987 and, as many will remember, often used crime reenactments to encourage people to come forward with information.

In 2018, almost 31 years later, the organization celebrated receiving 1 million reports.

Since then, community reporting has seen tremendous growth, with another 500,000 reports submitted in just over five years.

Information provided to Crime Stoppers Victoria has resulted in more than 29,000 arrests and the seizure of more than $427 million worth of drugs, property and cash.

Ms Smith explained the evolution of Crime Stoppers, with the ability to report online now changing the way people share information.

“We’ve gone from showing people crime through reenactments, to the public showing us what they’ve seen. This often happens via their mobile phones, dashcam and security camera images.”

Victoria Police Chief Constable Shane Patton also paid tribute to Crime Stoppers and the community members who contribute to it.

“The sheer number of people picking up the phone or jumping online to report crimes and tell us what they saw or heard is a testament to the trust people have in the Crime Stoppers service,” Chief Constable Patton said.

Crime Stoppers Victoria encourages anyone with information about crime to contact them on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.