Anonymity is guaranteed for Dorset residents who report crime to Crimestoppers.

The charity has launched a new campaign across the county, to highlight its unique service of guaranteeing complete anonymity to everyone who contacts them with information about crime.

Although Dorset is a safe place to live, it has seen a 17 per cent increase in reports over the last three years about crime affecting the county.

Beth Simpson, Crimestoppers’ Dorset regional manager, said: “We know that speaking up about crime can be a worry, especially if it involves criminality that’s close to home.

“Crimestoppers and Fearless, our charity’s youth service, are here for people who, for whatever reason, feel unable to speak directly to the police. Our service takes away the barriers that prevent people from speaking up and keeping their community safe.”

Crimestoppers offers an alternative to reporting crime and the charity has always kept its anonymity promise.

By being independent and not the police, it encourages people to voluntarily pass on what they know, with information that can help to save lives.

It also takes information that stops domestic abuse, prevents serious organised and violent crime and supports investigators to solve cases ranging from murder and rape to child abuse.

Beth added: “People sometimes know something about a crime or have good reason to have suspicions that something’s not right.

“They may think a property nearby is being used as a cannabis farm, or they are worried that a neighbour or friend is suffering from domestic abuse.

“Our charity wants everyone to know that we are here, and they can pass on their information to us and no one will ever know. We guarantee 100 per cent anonymity.

“Crimestoppers number will not show up on phone bills and we cannot trace a device’s IP address.

"We are not interested in who you are, just what you know. Your information could help keep people and communities safe from harm.”

Information can be given in over 150 different languages, 24/7, 365 days of the year, by calling their UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111, or by completing a safe and secure anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org or Fearless.org for young people.