SHOUT - The time has come to blow the whistle on crime using Crime Line

19 March 2010

Crime Line, the anonymous tip-off service, has appealed to South Africans to “SHOUT” and “blow the whistle on crime” using the 32211 sms number.

Crime Line has partnered with the “SHOUT” campaign “to mobilize civil society and create a safer South Africa.”

Since the launch of Crime Line in June 2007, almost 900 criminals have been arrested and R32,7 million of seizures recorded – thanks to anonymous tip-offs from the public.

“We are certain that with the launch of the ‘SHOUT’ campaign, the message will be spread to every corner of our country and we need to unite,” said Head of Crime Line, Yusuf Abramjee.

“We wish to congratulate Danny K and Kabelo as well as the dozens of other artists, entertainers and celebrities for this very pro-active campaign. All proceeds will be ploughed back in the fight against crime,” said Abramjee, who is also interim chairperson of the SHOUT Foundation.

“My appeal to all fellow South Africans is to support SHOUT by downloading the song. At the same time, use Crime Line’s 32211 sms number of www.crimeline.co.za to blow the whistle on wrongdoers. Please provide detailed information.

“Let’s stand together and make a difference. We are delighted to be associated with SHOUT,” Abramjee added.

Click on this link to listen to Danny K and Kabelo talking about SHOUT and catch a glimpse of the video: http://www.sowetan.co.za/multimedia/video/shout.wmv

To add your voice to the fight against crime - simply SMS SHOUT to 3 33 35 to download the song.

WORLDWIDE

Crime Line announced that Crime Stoppers International (CSI) has adopted SHOUT for a world-wide campaign to create awareness around crime and to mobilize countries to blow the whistle by making tip-offs.

“Each member country will produce their local version of SHOUT by using prominent personalities. We are delighted to have again shown the world that South Africa can and will lead the way.

“Directors of CSI were shown the SHOUT music DVD at a meeting in Queensland Australia late last year. They adopted it immediately. South Africa was praised for leading the way,” said Abramjee.

South Africa was the first country in the world to introduce text or sms technology for tip-offs. Within weeks of Crime Line’s launch, other countries including the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and India followed.

National Police Commissioner, General Bheki Cele, has repeatedly appealed to the public to use Crime Line and make tip-offs. He has also come out in support of the Crime Line/SHOUT partnership. “Let’s SHOUT and get criminals arrested,” he said.