Dorset Police is today supporting a global public awareness campaign to highlight the dangers of organised crime.

The campaign #TurnBackCrime has been launched by Interpol and aims to help the public better understand organised crime networks operating around the world and empower them to make informed choices about the products they buy or the way they use the internet.

Acting Detective Superintendent Mark Callaghan said: “While many people know that transitional organised crime networks are behind various forms of trafficking such as illicit goods, fake medicines, drugs, arms and even people, they are often unaware of the links with other seemingly unrelated and varied crimes.

“Crimes such as counterfeiting, cybercrime, fraud, crimes against children and corruption in sport are in fact often interconnected, with profits from one crime used to fund another.

“This criminal activity puts people at risk. Their health is endangered by poor quality and potentially life-threatening counterfeit products; their financial safety is compromised by attempts to steal their personal data; and children face threats such as online grooming and sexual abuse.

“Dorset Police is supporting the #TurnBackCrime campaign and I urge everyone to be aware of organised criminality and the way it can impact on their lives.”

Ambassadors for the campaign include international film star Jackie Chan, former world boxing champion Frank Bruno and footballer Simone Farina.

Interpol Secretary General Ronald K. Noble said: “Police around the world face and deal with the reality and effects of crime every day.

“Through the Turn Back Crime campaign, Interpol and law enforcement across the globe are looking to engage the public, to make them aware of the very real affects organised crime has on individuals’ lives and so empower them to take action.”

To find out more about the campaign visit www.turnbackcrime.com, watch the video ‘Organised crime starts with money, don’t let it be yours’ and look out for the #TurnBackCrime on Twitter.