An independent economic and social impact report has found Crime Stoppers in Australia generates more than $216 million in annual economic and social value for the nation, delivering more than $11.00 in benefit for every $1 invested.
Released today, The Impact of Crime Stoppers report highlights the significant contribution Crime Stoppers makes to community safety, crime prevention and law enforcement outcomes across Australia. The economic impact report component was independently prepared by Cube Group, with funding support from the Australian Government.
The report found Crime Stoppers in Australia:
- Generates $216.2 million in economic and social value
- Delivers $80.2 million in net economic and social benefit
- Returns more than $11.00 for every $1 invested
- Helped facilitate the seizure of approximately $30 million worth of illicit drugs during the reviewed period
- Receives information that supports law enforcement agencies across Australia to prevent, disrupt and solve crime.
Importantly, the analysis estimated that about 44,700 reports for a 12-month period would not have been received by police without Crime Stoppers, demonstrating the unique role the organisation plays in enabling people to share information anonymously when they may not otherwise come forward.
Crime Stoppers Australia Chair, Ian Stewart AO APM, said the findings reinforced the importance of providing Australians with a trusted, independent and anonymous way to share information about crime.
“Every day, Australians make a choice to speak up when something doesn’t feel right. Crime Stoppers exists to make that decision possible – safely, anonymously and with confidence.”
“This report validates that when people are empowered to share information, the benefits extend far beyond a single report. Communities become safer, police receive critical information, crime is disrupted and substantial economic and social value is created.”
Mr Stewart said Crime Stoppers plays a unique role in Australia’s public safety landscape by providing a trusted bridge between the community and law enforcement.
“Crime Stoppers is powered by the Australian community. Every contact we receive starts with someone who sees something, hears something or knows something and had the courage to act.”
The report found Crime Stoppers delivers value in two important ways: by providing a trusted and anonymous pathway for people to share information about crime and suspicious activity, and by delivering public awareness campaigns that encourage safer behaviours, increase awareness of crime risks and empower communities to take action.
The analysis also highlights a range of broader benefits that could not be fully quantified, including increased community confidence, greater willingness to share information, improved perceptions of safety, reduced victimisation and stronger community engagement in crime prevention.
Additional research recently undertaken by Crime Stoppers in Australia found:
- 89% of Australians are aware of Crime Stoppers
- 62% feel more favourable towards Crime Stoppers after learning more about its role
- 52% are more likely to share information after understanding how Crime Stoppers works
- 11% report having previously contacted Crime Stoppers to provide information
These findings reinforce Crime Stoppers’ position as one of Australia’s most recognised and trusted community safety charities.
“We thank the Australian Government for supporting our important and ongoing work. This independent analysis helps ensure the contribution of Crime Stoppers is measured rigorously and understood clearly.”
“We know that evidence matters. Our latest Impact Report confirms that Crime Stoppers delivers real and measurable value to communities, governments and police across Australia, while also generating broader social benefits that cannot always be captured in economic terms.”
While the analysis is based on the most recent complete national dataset available at the time of assessment, the findings reflect the enduring value created when communities are empowered to safely and anonymously share information that helps prevent and disrupt crime.
Download a copy of the Crime Stoppers Australia Economic Impact Report here.
