Crime Stoppers programs worldwide will work together to collate information on criminal activity for the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne this year.

There are more than 1200 Crime Stoppers programs operating throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Central America and several Caribbean and Pacific nations. All organisations will be able to send Melbourne operators any information concerning criminal or other illegal activities associated with the Games.

The initiative was developed by Crime Stoppers in consultation with the Victoria Police Commonwealth Games Intelligence office and endorsed by the Executive Boards of Crime Stoppers International and Crime Stoppers Australia.

President of Crime Stoppers International, Steve Walrath, said his organisation was proud to be working with other Crime Stoppers agencies and Victoria Police on this initiative.

“This is the first time the Crime Stoppers world family has been asked to support an international event, this is exactly the way we want to go; it’s all about global community co-operation against crime. If we can help to ensure the Games remain safe and free of crime, then we will,” Mr Walrath said.

He added that Crime Stoppers International viewed the initiative as a springboard to similar projects at other major events.

Crime Stoppers International has direct connections to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other international police agencies, as well as special consultative status on crime matters with the United Nations.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby, a Crime Stoppers Australia board member, said the worldwide approach to gathering international information on crime was simple, yet very effective.

“A caller in Manchester, England could respond to a call for information, give the information to UK Crime Stoppers, who would ultimately send those details to Melbourne. The whole process is able to be managed, monitored, and acted upon very quickly,” Mr Ashby said.

“This concept complements Victoria Police’s intelligence-led method of policing, where information is used to ensure our approach to dealing with crime is effective and worthwhile.”

Crime Stoppers Australia Chairman Peter Price said the program meant that in the future this type of worldwide cooperation could be switched on whenever anybody, anywhere wanted to use it.

“This is not just about getting information, that is important, but equally it is just as important this is seen as an example of the practical benefits of networking,” Mr Price said.

Discussions between the Victorian and London Metropolitan Police Crime Stoppers coordinators have furthered the development of this project, with the UK police to adopt a similar approach for the 2012 London Olympics. London Metropolitan Police Crime Stoppers Co-ordinator and International Relations Committee Chair of Crime Stoppers International Detective Sergeant Michael Gordon-Gibson said recent events highlighted the public’s eagerness to help lower crime.

“Following the tragic events on London’s public transport system this July, London Crime Stoppers received an unprecedented number of calls from the public wanting to give information they thought could help with the investigation of the bombings. It is clear from the nature of these calls that Crime Stoppers has a significant role to play in all the diverse communities around the globe,” Detective Sergeant Gordon-Gibson said.

Globally, Crime Stoppers’ tips have led to the arrest of more than 580,000 criminals, the clearing of over 1,000,000 cases and the recovery of narcotics and property valued in excess of $6 billion dollars. There are Crime Stoppers programs operating in every Australian State and Territory, all are able to receive information on 1800 333 000, or via the national website www.crimestoppers.com.au. Additionally, Any callers with information on terrorist activity can contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.