Crimewatch UK

An important tool in the fight against crime in the UK since it began in June 1984, Crimewatch has detailed thousands of serious cases involving murder, robbery and rape amongst others. Continually supported by police forces across the country along with detailed reconstructions as well as CCTV footage of incidents, it simply puts into perspective the enormous good there is in people who phone in with vital information that can help convict those responsible: at least one-in-three cases featured on Crimewatch are solved thanks to viewers; a pretty good statistic.

Broadcast once a month on BBC1 (although in more recent times, a little less frequently), Crimewatch has had numerous presenters over the years. Of course its most prolific is Nick Ross; hosting the show for 23 years until 2007 ranks him as one of the longest serving presenters of the same series in TV history (working alongside female broadcasters Sue Cook, Jill Dando and Fiona Bruce in the process).

Ironically, Crimewatch in itself would be the victim of a terrible crime when Dando was murdered outside her house in London on 26 April 1999; sadly one of Britain's most infamous murders that remains unsolved.

Admittedly, I have to say the look and feel of the programme has diminished in quality in recent years, what with overzealous acting and unnecessary background music during reconstructions in what could be said to be "dumbing down"; what happened to just giving us the facts without resorting to the superfluous?

My point of "dumbing down" seems to be strengthened by the fact that in October 2017 the BBC announced their decision to axe Crimewatch after 33 years; a ridiculous move highlighting the declining standards of British television. A public service programme removed from the schedules due to "falling viewing figures" is a rather lame excuse in my eyes. Nevertheless, Crimewatch has been responsible for bringing many dangerous and prolific criminals to justice over the years thanks to viewers' responses; it's just a shame it will no longer aid the authorities and victims any longer.