By Sally Cassidy

Crimestoppers Scotland is proving more successful than ever with new figures revealed today showing a record number of calls and arrests.

Scots have been dialling the Crimestoppers hotline 0800 555 111 for more than a decade, turning in murderers, rapists and drug dealers.

And year on year, the number of calls and charges brought have been on the increase. Many of those calls have come from the Lothian and Borders and Fife from people reacting to appeals for information.

The powerful benefits of Crimestoppers were spelled out by the man soon to take over as Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland.

Mr Paddy Tomkins, Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police, said: “It is understandable that there may be reasons why they don't want to give their name if their call is about drug dealers or other local criminals but their information often proves vital in leading to arrests of suspects.

“In the Lothian and Borders Police region we received more than 1,700 calls last year which resulted in the arrest of 127 people including a murderer, two armed robbers and drugs worth tens of thousands of pounds being recovered. These results demonstrate the value of Crimestoppers,” he stressed.

And Fife’s Chief Constable Peter Wilson added his words of support for the only charity helping to solve crimes: "Our partnership with Crimestoppers has played an invaluable role over the years in enabling us to work with the public to make Fife's communities safer.

Mr Paddy Tomkins, Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police

"We have solved some key crimes, arrested over 50 people, and recovered thousands of pounds worth of drugs, because the public phoned Crimestoppers. My message is - use the number - let us catch the criminals.”

Confirmation that Crimestoppers Scotland was now going from strength to strength was announced at the induction of two new Associate members at Lothian and Borders Headquarters in Fettes Avenue on Wednesday January 31st.

Crimestoppers Scotland's area Convener Sandy Wilkie welcomed Radio Station Talk 107 and Scotmid to the fold before they received their membership plaques from Mr Tompkins and Mr Wilson.

Stewart McCulloch, Chairman of Crimestoppers Scotland said:
“The memberships of broadcaster talk107 Radio and Scotmid speaks volumes for these organizations in terms of their commitment to communities. In joining up they have both demonstrated that by expressing tangible support for Crimestoppers Scotland they are helping us to assist the forces of law and order to keep our streets safer and should be congratulated.

Central, Fife, Tayside and Lothians & Borders Convenor Sandy Wilkie

“We are now approaching our half century in terms of numbers of Associates supporting us in our fight against crime at a time when the charity in Scotland is heading for its best ever results due, in the main, to Safer Scotland's inspired Drug Dealers Don't Care Do You? campaign which has resulted in our calls about dealers shooting up by 63%. The Associates Scheme was devised to accommodate caring groups who want to play their part in helping to fight crime and make a difference and that's why we are delighted to welcome the new members with us today and look forward to a long and fruitful association.”

Peter Gillespie, MD, talk107 explained:
“We are delighted to be supporting Crimestoppers Scotland. As the station focuses on the topical issues and breaking news stories affecting east central Scotland, we believe Crimestoppers fulfils a vital role in supporting the police to solve crime in our area and we will do what we can to support Crimestoppers in that objective.”

John Brodie, Chief Executive of Scotmid commented: "Scotmid is steeped in the communities in which it operates and it’s therefore important that any activity we undertake helps those communities. By supporting Crimestoppers we are recognising the excellent work they undertake to make our communities safer.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCOTTISH ASSOCIATES SCHEME CONTACT:
Sally Cassidy
Crimestoppers Scotland
sally@crimestoppersscotland.com
M: 07748 473 397
T: 01334 840 483