People power does have an effect on crime says the Metropolitan Police after figures released this week show that 1998 was a record-breaking year for the Crimestoppers line.

The figures show a staggering 72 per cent hike in the number of arrests and clear-ups made thanks to information given by callers to Crimestoppers.

In 1997, 386 arrests and 647 offences were cleared up due to calls to Crimestoppers, last year that figure soared to 663 arrests and 1,262 clear ups.

The arrests include 12 for murder, 42 for robbery, 66 for burglary and 358 arrests for drug offences leading to drugs valued at £695,085 being taken off the streets of London.

Detective Chief Insp Bill Laws from Romford police said: "These figures are fantastic and show just how much we rely on information given by the public.

"I would continue to encourage anyone who may have information about any crime to call Crimestoppers anonymously. The number is 0800 555 111."

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