Over 14,500 calls made to crime charity

Crimestoppers has taken a record number of calls from across Scotland in the last year as people speak out to help make our communities safer for us all.

A total of 14,534 pieces of anonymous information were sent to Police Scotland and Law Enforcement – an increase of 6.3 per cent on previous year and a 45 per cent increase over three years.

And 738 criminals were arrested and charged – an increase of 39.5 per cent on the previous year.

Thirteen people were arrested and charged with murder/unlawful killings and 17 wanted persons and fugitives were arrested and charged.

There were 12 positive outcomes and two people arrested and charged with modern slavery.

Meanwhile, there were twelve positive outcomes and two people arrested and charged with rape and sexual offences against a child.

A total of 13 firearms and 11 knives were recovered from the streets.

‘Street’Value of drugs recovered totalled £961,918 (nearly £1million).

And value of stolen goods and cash recovered was £264,466 (over a quarter million).

Also 11,896 pieces of information were acted on by law enforcement – an increase of seven per cent on the previous year.

Angela Parker, national manager for Crimestoppers Scotland, said:“This is an impressive increase that shows how people are putting their trust in our charity as a way to pass on crime information whilst remaining 100 per cent anonymous.

“Often people are too scared or concerned to speak directly to the police. Our guarantee of anonymity means they can pass on information without fearing consequences.”