Crimestoppers calls lead to increased arrest rates

The Berkshire West policing area has seen an 11 per cent increase in arrests and charges over the past year

ARRESTS and charges in the Berkshire West policing area have increased by 11 per cent over the past year, as a direct result of people anonymously calling Crimestoppers.

From April 2010 to March 2011, the independent crime-fighting charity said it has worked tirelessly with community safety partners across the Thames Valley, leading targeted campaigns to tackles areas of crime such as burglary and number plate thefts.

About 23 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers and the chairman of the group, John Gamon, said the results for the West Berkshire, Reading and Wokingham policing area show that the information given to the charity is often pivotal in the police's fight against crime.

He said: “We're extremely proud that Crimestoppers continues to play such a vital role in helping make our local community a safer place to live.”

Mr Gamon added that the success of the Thames Valley's Most Wanted scheme, which allows the public to see pictures and E-fits and view CCTV footage of people wanted by the police, had contributed to the increased rates.

He said: “In the first seven months alone, 42 of those featured have been arrested, an astounding success rate of two arrests for every five faces posted.

“Without the support of the public many of these serious criminals would still be at large.”

In addition to Crimestoppers' 24/7 phone number 0800 555 111, information can be passed via the charity's website, which can be accessed by clicking the link below.