LANCASHIRE Crimestoppers has enjoyed a record-breaking year yet again with 172 people being arrested.

Stolen property valued at almost £18,250 has also been recovered along with £72,400-worth of illegal drugs.

In 2001 the anonymous phone line produced 3,299 pieces of information for the police, HM customs, Trading Standards, the Fire and Rescue Service and other law enforcement agencies.

This is more than 800 up on the previous year.

Crimestoppers' board director Jim Mackinnon said: "Yet again the public of Lancashire have proved that they are willing to do something about the crime that affects their communities.

"Crimestoppers has a vital role to play in both reducing and detecting crime. It empowers the public and allows them to give information without revealing their identity.

"The phones we use do not have caller display and there is no 1471 facility. Callers are not asked for their name and if they start to give their details it is explained to them that this is not necessary.

"There is a reward scheme in place whereby callers may qualify for a reward of between £50 and £500.

"However, typifying the great community spirit of the people of Lancashire, in 2001 only two callers requested and were paid rewards.

"We look forward to greater success in 2002 and I would urge the public of Lancashire to continue calling in with their valuable information. Together we can make a difference and move towards making Lancashire a safer place in which to live.

"It must be stated that the success of Crimestoppers is largely due to those members of the public who ring in with their information, and we are grateful to them and the local media -- such The Citizen -- which has an important role to play in promoting the Crimestoppers scheme and number."