By George Glennie

In his first major statement since becoming Scotland's Chief Inspector of Constabulary (HMCIC) Mr Paddy Tomkins QPM, says that the crucial thing that Crimestoppers offers communities is power - the ability to take control of their own neighbourhood and to confront the criminal element whom they might not wish, for self evident reasons, to tackle directly.

The police service, he stressed, needs to recognise that the only charity helping to solve crime offers not just an invaluable source of timely and relevant intelligence but also a 'tangible tool' for building community confidence and a means of showing individuals that sharing information with the police through its anonymous hotline 0800 555 111 does make a positive difference to the quality of life that he wants for everybody in Scotland.

At his new office in Regent Street, Edinburgh the man who previously ran one of the most operationally effective police forces in UK, responsible for delivering high quality services to the very diverse communities of the City of Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Scottish Borders, as well as meeting the very particular policing requirements of a capital city of worlds class status praised to build confidence in communities to help the police to tackle crime - without putting themselves at risk.

And he added: "Crimestoppers, by giving people a voice, can with communities that may, for a range of reasons, have become cynical about or are despairing of support they might expect from public authorities. In other words, as we rightly focus more and more on partnership working, Crimestoppers should be regarded as one of the key partners in helping neighbourhoods affected by crime and anti-social behaviour."

Mr. Tomkins (47) was Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders until March 28 2007 when he succeeded Andrew Brown CBE QPM who retired. He is married with two children and lives in the Scottish Borders.

That very day he wrote to Crimestoppers Scotland Chairman Stewart McCulloch which said: "It has been a pleasure working with you and I am immensely grateful for your unstinting support, wise advice and your friendship. I am extremely proud of all that we have achieved together and wish you and your colleagues every success in the future."

It's now one of the most recognisable telephone numbers in the UK and has led to the arrest of thousands of criminals - Scots have been dialling Crimestoppers hotline 0800 555 111 for almost two decades, turning in murderers, rapists and drug dealers. And it's proving to be more successful than ever with new figures just out showing a record number of calls and arrests in Scotland.

One of the biggest difficulties police face when launching investigations is the reluctance of witnesses to come forward.

Whether out of fear of getting involved or a mistrust of authorities, few want to have their name linked to an inquiry. Crimestoppers helps to overcome this problem as the 'phone system used does not allow calls to be traced', encouraging more people to pass on information - the guarantee of total anonymity gives them a 'voice'.

Calls are soaring primarily because there's no danger of Crimestoppers or the individual who gets in touch with us compromising their anonymity through the reward system.

However, even though rewards are often offered, up to £10,000 for the most serious crimes, the take up is still very low.

The number of calls made by the public to our Call Centre proves just how much faith they have in Crimestoppers which is why it is such a vital weapon in the war of crime. So tell us what you know, not who you are and that way we'll keep our streets safer.