A charity today (12 March) appealed to Brixton residents and businesses to look out for and report criminal gang activity.
Crimestoppers said that, in Brixton, there were a total of 1,368 reported incidents in December 2024 alone, with violent crime being the largest category, followed by anti-social behaviour.
“The crime rate in Brixton North has seen a significant increase over the past year, with 90 cases where investigations were completed but no suspect was identified, and 85 cases still under investigation,” the charity said.
Local politicians recently called on police to step up activity in this area.
Crimestoppers, which enables people to report crime without having to engage directly with police, said it will carry out targeted social media activity and leaflet drops, reach young people through its youth service Fearless, and attend community events to increase reporting.
Fearless works to empower young people to make informed decisions about reporting crime.
The website Fearless.org allows young people to access non-judgemental information and advice about crime and criminality and offers a safe place to give information completely anonymously about crime.
In addition to its website, Fearless also runs workshops in schools and for community youth groups, as well as providing training to youth professionals nationally.
“Information from the community is vital in reducing crime in the area,” the charity said.
Last year in London, Crimestoppers passed on to police more than 15,000 pieces of information on crime, leading to arrests, seizures of weapons and drugs, and the safeguarding of vulnerable people.
Alexa Loukas, Crimestoppers London regional manager, said: “We are urging the residents of Brixton to come forward with any information they have about criminal activities in their area.
“By speaking to Crimestoppers anonymously, you can help put a stop to drug dealing and related crimes such as exploitation, burglary, theft, use of weapons, and violence. Together, we can build safer and stronger communities.
“These activities exploit the vulnerable and harm communities and legitimate businesses.
“Following work undertaken by the police to crack down on crime, Crimestoppers is working with partners to let the community know that they are here to help.
“As an independent charity, we offer the unique opportunity to tell someone what you know about crimes and those involved, and remain 100% anonymous. No one but you will ever know that you contacted us.”
Around 10 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers, the charity said.
Since it began work in 1988, it has received over 2.2m actionable calls and online contacts, resulting in more than 151,000 arrests and charges, more than £139m worth of stolen goods have been recovered and over £367m worth of illegal drugs seized.
Information can be given 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers, which is independent from law enforcement bodies, in more than 150 languages, 365 days of the year, 24/7, by calling the UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111, or by completing a safe and secure online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.
Crimestoppers said that, in an emergency, people should always call 999.
They added that computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know someone contacted Crimestoppers. For telephone calls, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility, and the charity says calls to it have never been traced.
