Crimestoppers calls lead to more than 500 arrests in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester Police Logo

Anonymous calls to the charity Crimestoppers directly led to the arrest of more than 500 people in Greater Manchester last year.

Between January and December 2008, Greater Manchester Crimestoppers received 5,320 'actionable' calls, calls which provide useful information that can be passed onto the police, which resulted in a total of 508 arrests.

A total of more than £2 million worth of drugs was seized as a result of Crimestoppers information.

In addition, 12 firearms were also recovered and goods, cash and vehicles to the value of £377,000.

Crimestoppers operates across the UK and enables anyone to provide information about those involved in or suspected of being involved in criminal activity without ever revealing their identity.

Peter Fahy, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police said: "All information received by Greater Manchester Crimestoppers is valuable and can lead directly to offenders being arrested and charged.

"I have always been a big supporter of Crimestoppers and these results show why. There are a lot of people out there fed up with others making money from crime and causing misery to victims. Crimestoppers allows them to do something about it.

"Greater Manchester Police will follow up the information supplied and take robust action as this number of arrests demonstrates. We need more local people to take this stand against crime and give us the information we need to hold criminals to account."

Gary Murray, Crimestoppers Regional Manager, added: "This is another excellent year for Greater Manchester Crimestoppers with the statistics highlighting how effective Crimestoppers is in reducing crime and improving community safety and confidence.

"I would like to thank all the Crimestoppers volunteers, and the members of the public who call Crimestoppers anonymously, for their contribution to our success."

Crimestoppers is the only national charity aimed at detecting crime and arresting criminals. It is supported by more than 500 volunteers and works in close partnership with the police, media, businesses and other agencies including HM Customs and Trading Standards.

If you or someone you know has information concerning crime in your neighbourhood, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.