**Crimestoppers Offers £1,000 Rewards as Gwent Police Intensify Search for Two Fugitives**
A renewed appeal has been launched across south Wales in an ongoing effort to locate two men wanted by the authorities. The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering separate rewards of up to £1,000 for credible information that leads to the whereabouts of either individual, both of whom are currently wanted by Gwent Police on recall to prison.
The first of those sought is Justin Henshall, believed to be aged between 35 and 40 and hailing from the Newport region. Henshall has drawn police attention following his previous conviction for his role in an organised drug trafficking operation. According to court records, Henshall pleaded guilty in 2023 to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and conspiracy to traffic a child, with offences falling under the Modern Slavery Act. He received a prison sentence totalling six years and eight months, but authorities are now seeking his return to custody.
Crimestoppers issued a statement this week, underscoring the seriousness of their pursuit. “A reward of up to £1,000 is available for anonymous information on the whereabouts of Justin Henshall,” a spokesperson confirmed. “Reports can be made to Crimestoppers by phone or online, with a guarantee that the caller’s identity will remain protected at all times.”
The hunt, however, does not end with Henshall. Police are also searching for Thomas Saunders, estimated to be between 30 and 35, who is likewise from Newport. Saunders is wanted for recall to prison and is the subject of a nearly identical appeal, with Crimestoppers pledging a further £1,000 for details that lead to his apprehension.
In providing guidance to the public, the charity has reminded potential informants that rewards are exclusively available for information passed directly to Crimestoppers, not the police. Those calling 0800 555 111 must specifically request a reward code at the outset of their call, while those submitting tips online must use the ‘keeping in contact’ feature and also ask for a reward code immediately upon reaching out.
Crimestoppers has a long-standing reputation for assisting in the fight against crime while fiercely defending the anonymity of those who come forward. Established originally as the Community Action Trust in 1988 and becoming known as Crimestoppers in 1995, the organisation has become a staple in the UK’s crime prevention and detection landscape. It offers 24/7 services throughout the year, ensuring members of the public have a secure channel to report knowledge of criminal activity without fear of reprisal.
Official figures illustrate the scale of public cooperation. Between April 2022 and March 2023, Crimestoppers and its youth service, Fearless, submitted over 10,000 pieces of anonymous information to police and law enforcement agencies within Wales—a notable 9% rise on the prior year. These tip-offs have proven invaluable in enabling police forces to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.
The current appeals for Henshall and Saunders come at a time when public involvement is seen as more critical than ever. Gwent Police and Crimestoppers are keen to harness community support, emphasising that a single piece of information, however minor it may seem, could provide the breakthrough investigators need.
Residents are reminded that both men should not be approached. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is urged to use the secure and anonymous channels provided by Crimestoppers. In so doing, individuals not only stand to receive a substantial reward, but also play a crucial part in helping to safeguard their communities from further criminal activity.