Anonymous Crime Stoppers call that ended manhunt for Graham Potter
The manhunt for one of Australia’s most wanted men only ended when an anonymous caller contacted Crime Stoppers with the missing piece to the 12-year puzzle.
Police & Courts
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The manhunt for fugitive Graham Potter only ended when an anonymous caller provided Crime Stoppers with the missing piece to a 12-year puzzle, leading to the convicted killer’s arrest.
But the $100,000 reward for Potter’s arrest remains unclaimed, with the caller yet to come forward and Potter’s matter still progressing through court.
It’s the ability to remain anonymous when contacting Crime Stoppers – while still able to claim financial reward for tips that pay off – that has seen several serious crimes solved, and a number of alleged criminals taken into police custody.
In the past year, Crime Stoppers has received almost 70,000 reports, leading to 700 arrests and 2934 charges.
On February 20, 2022, an anonymous caller provided Crime Stoppers with an address for Potter’s Ravenshoe location.
Police days later arrested Potter, who was hiding out in a hoarder’s house.
The anonymous caller has not yet received the $100,000 reward, however is entitled to do so in the event Potter is convicted of his alleged crimes.
Potter faces two counts of conspiracy to murder, failing to answer bail in 2010, and trafficking a commercial quantity of drugs – a charge dating back to an alleged 2008 incident.
It was another anonymous call to the organisation that led to the apprehension of four men in Mackay, as part of Operation Westmeath.
Police located and charged the foursome with significant crimes against children – including rape, unlawful carnal knowledge, indecent treatment of a child and deprivation of liberty – after an anonymous tip-off to Crime Stoppers.
It was the collaborative efforts of the public, Crime Stoppers, and Queensland Police that led to the men accused being identified and charged.
Crime Stoppers regional manager Renae Long said allowing people to remain anonymous meant some community members were more inclined to come forward.
“Anonymity is the most important part of Crime Stoppers,” Ms Long said.
“People are afraid of repercussions, (that) something might happen, or they want to feel better because they know something … the Graham Potter (case) was one call that made the difference.”
Ms Long said often it just took one call to solve a crime.
“You might be able to find a child … There could be a crime that happened 12 years ago, or 14 or 20 years ago. It’s that one piece that somebody remembers that can really solve that puzzle.”
Crime Stoppers, which was established in 1989 as an independent not-for-profit charity, relies on a network of volunteers to spread the message and help raise funds for the crime prevention organisation.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said the network of volunteers and the collaboration between Crime Stoppers and police helped to solve crime and build stronger and safer communities.
Minister Ryan urged the community to call Crime Stoppers when appropriate.
“It’s about making the right call,” he said.
“If a crime is happening right now, if it's an emergency or if it’s life threatening – ring triple-0. If it’s another police related matter, ring Policelink on 131 444.
“But, if it’s something where you can provide some information that might be the missing piece in solving a crime, in catching an offender, in making the community a safer place – try Crime Stoppers.”
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