Of the 100,000 criminals arrested and charged across the UK because of the anonymous information passed to Crimestoppers since it was formed in 1988, 8,800 have been from the South East of England, the crime fighting charity has announced today. [5 July 2010]

For over two decades Crimestoppers has received telephone calls to 0800 555 111, or online information through www.crimestoppers-uk.org, from the public in Sussex and the rest of the UK, leading overall to:

• 21 people currently being arrested and charged every day
• 887 people being charged with murder/attempted murder since 1988
• Over £189 million of drugs being seized and the recovery of over £112 million of goods.   

Last year (2009/10) was Crimestoppers’ most successful with 7,474 arrests and charges being made, over 2,000 higher than ten years ago.

Chief Constable Martin Richards, Sussex Police, said: “The principle of the police and public working together is fundamental to our policing tradition. We know we cannot operate effectively without the support and co-operation of the public. This milestone for Crimestoppers has illustrated the important role the public plays in fighting crime and we are pleased and proud to support it."

Carolyn Collard, Chair of Sussex Crimestoppers, said: “We are honoured to be able to support Sussex Police and other partners in the fight against crime and are incredibly pleased that our joint campaigns have been so successful. 

“It’s a clear message to criminals everywhere – someone knows what you are doing and most of us in our local communities disapprove.  Crimestoppers anonymous information line works - is it worth risking someone giving information about your crimes?”

Peter James, co-patron of Sussex Crimestoppers and best selling crime novelist, said: "One hundred thousand villains banged to rights thanks to one charity.  This shows what a remarkable and effective organisation Crimestoppers really is - and how badly needed it will be in the austerity years ahead with rising crime and cuts in policing."

Crimestoppers has a proven history of getting public support to assist in locating and arresting people wanted for serious crimes.