This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/7527683.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Millionth call for Crimestoppers Millionth call for Crimestoppers
(10 minutes later)
Crimestoppers has received its millionth call providing useful information to police.Crimestoppers has received its millionth call providing useful information to police.
The call, about a knife crime in Leicestershire, marks a milestone for a charity which has helped police catch more than 85,000 suspects.The call, about a knife crime in Leicestershire, marks a milestone for a charity which has helped police catch more than 85,000 suspects.
Crimestoppers chairman Lord Ashcroft said the landmark was testimony to the "impact we are making in helping the police to solve crimes".Crimestoppers chairman Lord Ashcroft said the landmark was testimony to the "impact we are making in helping the police to solve crimes".
The milestone also coincides with the charity's 20th anniversary year. The milestone coincides with the charity's 20th anniversary year.
The charity said the call about a knife crime was the millionth "actionable call", which means it provided useful information for police which could be used to make an arrest or bring charges.The charity said the call about a knife crime was the millionth "actionable call", which means it provided useful information for police which could be used to make an arrest or bring charges.
Lord Ashcroft, the millionaire businessman and Conservative Party deputy chairman who founded Crimestoppers in 1988, said it "offers the man - and woman - in the street the chance to fight back against those who are blighting our society".Lord Ashcroft, the millionaire businessman and Conservative Party deputy chairman who founded Crimestoppers in 1988, said it "offers the man - and woman - in the street the chance to fight back against those who are blighting our society".
He launched what has become the UK's biggest crime-fighting charity in the Metropolitan Police area.He launched what has become the UK's biggest crime-fighting charity in the Metropolitan Police area.
About 17 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers.About 17 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers.
High profile successesHigh profile successes
And one person every five days is charged with murder as a result of information passed on by members of the public.And one person every five days is charged with murder as a result of information passed on by members of the public.
In 1988 the charity received just under 5,000 calls with useful information. However, last year more than 81,500 such calls were received.In 1988 the charity received just under 5,000 calls with useful information. However, last year more than 81,500 such calls were received.
Crimestoppers has enjoyed a number of high profile successes over the last 20 years.Crimestoppers has enjoyed a number of high profile successes over the last 20 years.
One such success was the capture of the M25 rapist, Antoni Imiela, after a year-long hunt by police.One such success was the capture of the M25 rapist, Antoni Imiela, after a year-long hunt by police.
The former rail worker, from Appledore, Kent, bound, gagged and beat his victims, aged between 10 and 52, while subjecting them to sexual assaults.The former rail worker, from Appledore, Kent, bound, gagged and beat his victims, aged between 10 and 52, while subjecting them to sexual assaults.
The police investigation into the crimes involved about 350 police officers from six forces and cost more than £2m.The police investigation into the crimes involved about 350 police officers from six forces and cost more than £2m.
But a phone call to Crimestoppers led to police being able to put a name to Imiela's e-fit.But a phone call to Crimestoppers led to police being able to put a name to Imiela's e-fit.
The arrest of M25 rapist Antoni Imiela was a high profile successThe arrest of M25 rapist Antoni Imiela was a high profile success
In 2004, the 49-year-old received seven life sentences for each of the rapes and a further 29 years for kidnap, indecent assault and attempted rape.In 2004, the 49-year-old received seven life sentences for each of the rapes and a further 29 years for kidnap, indecent assault and attempted rape.
Crimestoppers was also responsible for the capture of Clifford Hobbs, one of Britain's most wanted criminals.Crimestoppers was also responsible for the capture of Clifford Hobbs, one of Britain's most wanted criminals.
Hobbs, who had escaped from custody when two armed men ambushed a prison van, was eventually tracked down and arrested in Spain in 2007.Hobbs, who had escaped from custody when two armed men ambushed a prison van, was eventually tracked down and arrested in Spain in 2007.
He had been recognised among 10 "Costa Crooks", which featured on the Crimestoppers website.He had been recognised among 10 "Costa Crooks", which featured on the Crimestoppers website.
He was jailed for life in February for possessing a firearm with intent to escape custody.He was jailed for life in February for possessing a firearm with intent to escape custody.
The police have praised the role played by the charity.The police have praised the role played by the charity.
"Often people do not want to give information directly to police or want to remain anonymous, therefore it is critical that communities are able to access the service that Crimestoppers provides," said Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner John Yates."Often people do not want to give information directly to police or want to remain anonymous, therefore it is critical that communities are able to access the service that Crimestoppers provides," said Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner John Yates.
"I can't emphasise enough how important the information that people give to Crimestoppers is to us," he added."I can't emphasise enough how important the information that people give to Crimestoppers is to us," he added.
Merseyside Chief Constable Bernard Hogan-Howe also praised the charity's "unique" partnership with police.Merseyside Chief Constable Bernard Hogan-Howe also praised the charity's "unique" partnership with police.
As well as operating a hotline on 0800 555 111, the charity also has a secure online form which people can use to pass on information anonymously via its website.As well as operating a hotline on 0800 555 111, the charity also has a secure online form which people can use to pass on information anonymously via its website.