Wednesday 23 February 2011

Operation Captura returns

SPAIN UK Crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) are once again closing in on Britain's most wanted who are believed to be on the run in Spain. Ten new appeals, which include some of the UK's most dangerous individuals, have been revealed today in Alicante, an area with a large British ex-patriate community and a potential hideout for fugitives on the run from British law enforcement. Operation Captura is the successful multi-agency campaign which identifies individuals on the run in Spain who are wanted by UK law enforcement agencies for serious crimes committed in the UK. Since the campaign launched in October 2006, there have been 50 appeals; 38 of whom have been arrested. Many of these are now serving lengthy prison sentences for their crimes which range from drug trafficking to sex crimes to murder.>
Dave Cording, Director of Operations at Crimestoppers, said: “The public is one of the greatest weapons in the fight against crime, and once again we are asking the public to help track down most wanted individuals who are sought in connection with some violent, sexual and highly organised crimes. We’ve continually had an overwhelming response to this campaign, resulting in over 500 pieces of useful information on the fugitives sought. You can view all the appeals on the most wanted section of Crimestoppers’ website and if you know anything about the individuals please contact Crimestoppers. No one will ever know you who you are and you will not go to court. Contact us on 0800 555 111 or through our website crimestoppers-uk.org
Ken Gallagher, Head of European Operations for SOCA, said: “Operation Captura is helping make the ex-pat community in Spain an uncomfortable place for fugitives. Having the public's attention focussed on these individuals goes a long way to making it harder for them to hide and should act as a warning that Spain is no safe haven for British criminals."

Crimestoppers and SOCA work closely with the British Embassy in Madrid and British and Spanish law enforcement agencies. The campaign highlights appeals for information on individuals facing prosecution in the UK who have European Arrest Warrants issued against them. Information given to Crimestoppers anonymously can help locate these criminals so that arrests can be carried out by Spanish law enforcement.

Calls to the Spanish 900 555 111 telephone number are answered in the UK by Crimestoppers’ call agents and a translation service is available upon request. People can also pass on information anonymously via the online Giving Information form on Crimestoppers’ website www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Those in the UK should call 0800 555 111 or visit the website.
For further information please contact Lisa Sinclair, Communications Manager on 020 8835 3752/07795 564313 or lisa.sinclair@crimestoppers-uk.org. Or Jules Moule, Media Officer on 020 8835 3737/07900 694 904 or Julie.moule@crimestoppers-uk.org.

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