Crime Stoppers is pulling out all the stops in preparation for the Island's first crime fighting conference.

Delegates from around the world will descend on Bermuda from November 4 to 8 to discuss 'Global issues, community solutions'.

Organisers on the Island have now moved into high gear ready to welcome the 500-strong international delegation.

The 28th Annual Crime Stoppers International Training Conference will feature notable delegates such as Lord Michael Ashcroft, KCMG — the man who founded Crime Stoppers UK in 1988, and Sir Ronnie Flanagan, GBE MA — the former Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (now the Police Service of Northern Ireland).

Also in attendance at the Southampton Fairmont event will be representatives from Interpol, the United Nations and New Scotland Yard.

Joanne MacPhee, Crime Stoppers chairwoman and deputy conference chair, said: "The only other country to ever host this prestigious event outside of the US and Canada was Australia, so we have very big shoes to fill.

"We have four days of training scheduled, but in true Bermuda fashion we have also set aside time for our guests to enjoy all the beauty and hospitality our Island home has to offer.

"Residents should be very proud of the fact that this tiny Island is going to host some of the world's most pre-eminent authorities on crime detection and prevention. Crime is a huge social issue affecting all of us, and aptly enough our conference theme is 'Global issues, community solutions'."

Organisers are now hoping to bring the Department of Tourism on board to assist in funding for the event. US retail giant Target is one of the sponsors, together with the Bermuda Police Service. Target is also sending three representatives from its Assets Protection team, while director Tony Heredia will be a Fraud and Theft panellist.

The committee has invited Bermuda-born motivational speaker Dennis Rahiim Watson as a guest speaker. Mr. Watson is much sought after in the US and was recently commended by Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama for winning the 'Youth Leadership Award' from the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Mr. Watson's presentation will be 'Winning strategies for combatting crime in our community'.