Most wanted Scotsman arrested

UK crime-fighting charity, Crimestoppers, can confirm that Most Wanted Scotsman, Thomas Cochran, wanted for drug offences, was arrested in Inverness last night.

Cochran, born in Scotland on 15 September 1958, was featured in Operation Captura, a campaign to track down UK criminals on the run in Spain. Cochran was wanted for drugs supply (18.36 Kg cannabis resin) by Strathclyde Police. He was arrested by Northern Constabulary last night in Ross-shire for drink driving and possession of cannabis. He is the seventh criminal from the ten most wanted to be arrested under Operation Captura 2 which launched in Alicante in November last year.

Crimestoppers' Founder and Chair, Lord Ashcroft KCMG said: “Following the recent publicity on the remaining wanted fugitives under Operation Captura, this is yet another great result. The campaign has clearly been successful in displacing criminals who have fled to Spain thinking they'll evade capture by living a life in the sun. It is also satisfying to see the public play such an important role in helping law enforcement track down these heinous individuals by passing on vital information which can help make our streets safer.”

Operation Captura identifies serious criminals wanted by UK law enforcement agencies for crimes committed in the UK. Crimestoppers and SOCA work closely with British Embasy Madrid, British and Spanish law enforcement agencies. The campaign highlights appeals for information on criminals who have European arrest warrants issued against them for crimes such as drug trafficking, murder and currency counterfeiting.

Calls to the freephone Spanish 900 555 111 telephone number are answered in the UK by Crimestoppers' call agents and a translation service is available upon request. People can also pass on information anonymously via the online Giving Information form on Crimestoppers' website.

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For more information contact Crimestoppers' press office.

Notes to editors

• Crimestoppers is an independent charity which helps the police to solve crimes, making communities safer. It does this by operating the 24/7 telephone number 0800 555 111 which people can ring to pass on information about crimes anonymously. They can also use our giving information form.
• Around 19 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person every four days is charged with murder.
• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over a million actionable calls, resulting in over 91,000 arrests and charges. Over £167 million worth of property has been recovered and over £160 million worth of drugs.
• In 2006, Crimestoppers launched the UK's Most Wanted on its website which allows the public to view images of criminals and pass on vital information about their whereabouts. It has been highly successful with over 500 arrests to date from 2.5 thousand appeals posted.
• Crimestoppers UK was founded by Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Chairman of Trustees. In 1988, he launched Crimestoppers in the Metropolitan Police area. Crimestoppers ‘call to action' is built on a three-way partnership between the business community, the police and the media.
• In September 2007, Crimestoppers launched a youth website ShadowCS.co.uk which allows young people to give information anonymously online.