Crimestoppers tips aid murder arrests

THREE alleged murderers were caught following anonymous calls to Crimestoppers this year as tip-offs made to the charity helped secure 149 arrests in the force area, new figures revealed today.

Calls to the 24-hours a day hotline have been cited by police as a vital tool in making arrests and building up a picture of drug-dealing activity.

The figures show that two arrests for rape and other sexual offences were made in Lothian and Borders after Crimestoppers received intelligence from the public.

Six wanted people were also traced as a result of calls, while six alleged housebreakers were arrested.

A total of 66 alleged drug traffickers and dealers were arrested between January and November on the back of Crimestoppers calls. Another 15 people were charged with drug manufacture and cultivation, while tips led to the seizure of drugs worth 345,515.

Police chiefs today said they were "extremely grateful" for the volume of calls made to the charity, and urged the public to continue using the service.

Kate Johnston, national manager for Crimestoppers, said: "Crimestoppers is a safe way to pass on information about crime or criminals because it is completely anonymous. Calls are never traced or recorded and we will never ask for the caller's identity.

"Crimestoppers would like to thank the Evening News for running appeals and articles that have generated good calls from the public, and Lothian and Borders Police for working effectively with Crimestoppers."

In the first 11 months of the year, Crimestoppers passed on an average of seven "actionable" pieces of intelligence every day - those believed to be strong enough to lead to an arrest.

Meanwhile, calls resulted in 11 people being arrested for drink-driving, eight for disqualified and uninsured driving,and six for other driving offences.

Between January and November, hotline calls also resulted in goods and cash worth 48,490 being recovered from alleged criminals.

As well as the arrests, the calls provide intelligence for police that may not lead to charges until a year or more down the line.

Detective Superintendent David Bullen, the force's director of intelligence, said: "The success of a criminal investigation often depends on the information and intelligence we receive from members of the public. However, there are a number of reasons which may deter individuals from coming forward to assist police.

"Through Crimestoppers, information can be relayed anonymously and passed to the appropriate police force where officers can progress their investigation.

"Lothian and Borders Police are extremely grateful for the volume of intelligence that we have received over the years."