A CAMPAIGN to empower young people to make informed decisions about reporting crime has been launched in Ayrshire.

Fearless.org is a youth programme of independent charity Crimestoppers.

To coincide with the beginning of the school summer holidays, the initiative marks the start of a one year long Fearless awareness project which will reach all young people living in the area.

The campaign will focus on key primary prevention messages covering a broad range of topics to help young people to stay safe whether they’re at home, travelling or away for the day or on holiday.

It provides a safe place for young people to speak up with information about crime 100 per cent anonymously.

Lyndsay McDade, National Youth Projects Coordinator for the charity Crimestoppers, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be launching this important project in Ayrshire today.

“During the summer holidays, we know that young people can be more at risk of harm and neglect or becoming involved in criminal activity that could end with them being badly hurt.

“Our summer campaign focuses on equipping young people with the knowledge to stay safe this summer. It also provides an incredibly important reminder that if they know or suspect information about crime, they can speak up to our charity – fearless.org – 100 per cent anonymously via our website.

“We know that it can sometimes feel hard to speak up about crime for fear of stigma or reprisal but at Fearless.org we can’t trace IP addresses or any contact details that could identify you.

“Nobody will ever know the information came from you – but your information will make Ayrshire safer.”

The website www.fearless.org allows young people to access non-judgemental information and advice about crime and criminality, and also offers a safe place to give information completely anonymously about crime. In addition to our website, Fearless also runs workshops in schools and for community youth groups, as well as providing training to youth professionals nationally.

Chief Inspector Derrick Johnston, Ayrshire Division, added: “We are committed to raising awareness of the dangers associated with drugs and alcohol, particularly as we approach the school holiday period. This initiative will better equip young people in Ayrshire to make informed decisions and make it easier for them to report crime anonymously.

“I would encourage young people to visit Fearless.org where they can find further information.”

Crimestoppers can be reached on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org .