The faces of Dartford’s most wanted criminals were broadcast on huge screens in a bid to encourage locals to help police track them down.

Mug shots were displayed alongside the message: “Dartford residents are watching you and there is nowhere to hide”. One criminal has already turned themself in after their face was shown on screen.

Independent charity Crimestoppers was behind the stunt, one of 160 live appeals it has launched across the county in the past six months.

Chairman Peter Rolington said: “We all have a part to play in the fight against crime and it is vital that we don’t just hope someone else will notice and do something about it.

“That’s why days like today are so important – to remind people they can give information without fear of being identified themselves, as Crimestoppers is 100% anonymous.

“You can be assured that your identity will never be revealed. We don’t want to know who you are, just what you know.”

“Cutting crime is a key element of my Six Point Plan, but to deliver that promise Kent Police needs help from the public." Matthew Scott.

Newly elected Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott was also in the town on Thursday last week to help promote the charity’s campaign.

He called on people not to underestimate the impact of crime, with both victims and witnesses often left frightened and vulnerable.

He said: “Cutting crime is a key element of my Six Point Plan, but to deliver that promise Kent Police needs help from the public.

“Information from our communities, whether provided directly to the police, or anonymously via Crimestoppers, is vital.

"I’m pleased to have been able to provide funding to both national Crimestoppers and local Crimestoppers to support their ongoing work because the security of the people of Kent is my priority.”

The commissioner was joined by representatives from Dartford Town Against Crime and other members of Kent Police.

New Mayor of Dartford John Burrell and council leader Jeremy Kite (Con) were also in attendance.

Cllr Kite said: “Dartford Town Against Crime is working in partnership with local businesses, Kent Police and Dartford Borough Council to make Dartford town centre safe and secure.

“We are hoping that it will get to the stage where persistent criminals will stay away from Dartford completely because they know they won’t succeed.

“We are also working hard to create an environment where businesses prosper and can concentrate their security resources on the few opportunist thieves.”

If you have information about those committing crime in Dartford or across Kent, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the charity’s anonymous online form.

To see a full list of Kent’s most wanted criminals, visit crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted.