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13/11/2003
Prime Suspect 'factually incorrect' says Crimestoppers
Crimestoppers have issued a statement assuring the public that a storyline featured in a recently aired episode of Granada's Prime Suspect drama series on ITV was "factually incorrect".
The organisation said that calls made to the 0800 555 111 number are "protected by a guarantee of anonymity". Crimestoppers stressed that they do not record any calls, nor do they trace calls. Neither do they ask for callers’ personal details, contact details, nor do they have a 1471 facility to find out the last callers' phone number.
The statement referred to the Prime Suspect episode where a caller to Crimestoppers was apparently recorded, traced and identified from a telephone call - the independent charity denied that this was possible.
"Unfortunately a high-profile drama such as this is viewed by a large number of people and we would like to reassure everyone who saw it that Crimestoppers promise of anonymity is secure," said a spokesperson.
"Without this promise last year Crimestoppers would not have received over 71,000 calls from members of the public with genuine information on crime and criminal activity. This information led to the arrest and charge of 5865 people and £14.million of recovered illegal drugs and property."
The phone line was set up to enable people to pass on vital information without revealing their identity, effectively removing any fear or doubts that would stop them from going directly to the police.
It was reported that the producers of the Granada series have apologised for the "dramatic licence" taken - any agreed that future portrayal of the service will stress its anonymity.
The charity has subsequently sought to restore public confidence in using the Crimestoppers anonymous phone line 0800 555 111 as a means to report crime and criminal activities.
(SP)
The organisation said that calls made to the 0800 555 111 number are "protected by a guarantee of anonymity". Crimestoppers stressed that they do not record any calls, nor do they trace calls. Neither do they ask for callers’ personal details, contact details, nor do they have a 1471 facility to find out the last callers' phone number.
The statement referred to the Prime Suspect episode where a caller to Crimestoppers was apparently recorded, traced and identified from a telephone call - the independent charity denied that this was possible.
"Unfortunately a high-profile drama such as this is viewed by a large number of people and we would like to reassure everyone who saw it that Crimestoppers promise of anonymity is secure," said a spokesperson.
"Without this promise last year Crimestoppers would not have received over 71,000 calls from members of the public with genuine information on crime and criminal activity. This information led to the arrest and charge of 5865 people and £14.million of recovered illegal drugs and property."
The phone line was set up to enable people to pass on vital information without revealing their identity, effectively removing any fear or doubts that would stop them from going directly to the police.
It was reported that the producers of the Granada series have apologised for the "dramatic licence" taken - any agreed that future portrayal of the service will stress its anonymity.
The charity has subsequently sought to restore public confidence in using the Crimestoppers anonymous phone line 0800 555 111 as a means to report crime and criminal activities.
(SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry with sunny spells on Friday, cloudier at times in the south. The chance of the odd afternoon shower developing in the south and east. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:Any afternoon showers soon dying out to leave a dry evening with clear spells at first, but coastal low cloud, mist or fog then spreads in from the northwest. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
