SINGAPORE — Crimewatch, one of Singapore’s most popular and longest-lasting TV shows, marks its 30th anniversary this year. 

This was commemorated at the National Crime Prevention Council's (NCPC) 35th Anniversary Dinner held at One Farrer Hotel and Spa on Friday (July 22).

Featuring appearances by actual police officers, the show offers re-enactment of actual cases, crime prevention tips and information on the latest crime trends. Although the show’s format has evolved through the years, these basic elements of the show remain a key draw for the audience, said the police in a statement.

Among the episodes, Crimewatch had previously featured the unsolved murder of a 19-year-old national serviceman, with a public appeal from the victim’s parents. Subsequently, information provided by the public led to the arrest of nine men.

The show’s success in inspiring public assistance was recognised as “a fresh approach to foster the relationship between the police and the community as well as to encourage public spiritedness and self-help”, said the police in a statement.

The first series of Crimewatch, which is presented by the NCPC and Singapore Police Force, made its debut in November 1986, and attracted 1.3 million viewers. The weekly primetime average viewing audience at the time was 850,000. A Mandarin version of Crimewatch debuted a week later.

Today, each episode attracts an average of 1.2 million viewers and is screened on Channels 5 and 8, Suria and Vasantham, as well as online platforms such as Toggle and YouTube.

Mr Tan Kian Hoon, the chairman of NCPC, said he was happy that the show has grown into a household name over the last 30 years. “It has been effective in increasing the awareness that many types of crime can be prevented if we do our part,” he noted.

“We need to be constantly watchful, work with our neighbours and as a community to prevent crime,” added Mr Tan. “In addition, the public has also become more trusting of our Police’s capabilities and efficiency in law enforcement. We are proud that the NCPC and Crimewatch have been the catalysts helping to keep Singapore safe.”