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Crimewatch UK was first broadcast on 7 June 1984. Each month it appealed to the public for help with unsolved crimes, helped by factual reconstructions. Nick Ross, who presented the programme with Sue Cook, said "if you see anything tonight that jogs your memory please call us".

The format of Crimewatch UK originated from the German programme File XY Unsolved. Police officers and production staff were on hand to field calls, and the public were updated on any leads in a short programme later the same evening. After initial scepticism, police forces realised the value of the show in putting information before a large audience, and to date Crimewatch viewers have helped the police with nearly 5000 cases.

Most major crimes over the last 30 years have featured on Crimewatch UK, including the murder of Jill Dando, who was a presenter on the show at the time of her death. Crimewatch UK ended in 2017, but its spin-off programme Crimewatch Roadshow continues in a daytime slot.