CRIMEFIGHTING charity Crimestoppers has been hailed a huge success after recording its most successful year since it was launched 11 years ago.

The Crimestoppers line referred 2,485 cases to a number of law enforcement agencies last year, including the police, HM Customs, Trading Standards and the Benefits Agency.

As a result of these, there were 163 arrests and stolen property valued at £63,362 was recovered, as well as £13,315-worth of drugs. Last year, calls to the confidential phoneline led to 40 arrests and the recovery of stolen property and drugs worth £18,000.

In East Lancashire, calls to the line resulted in the successful prosecution of people in major drugs gangs and for burglary, handling stolen goods and bootlegging.

The national Crimestoppers charity was set up in 1988, with Lancashire Constabulary joining two years later in 1990.

Lancashire Crimestoppers co-ordinator PC Andy Edwards, said: "These results are pleasing. Year on year, the number of calls to Crimestoppers increases and the massive increase in the number of arrests over last year shows how effective the scheme is.

"The scheme is now becoming an integral part of initiatives being carried out by the police and other agencies and, as such, the public of Lancashire are becoming more aware of the number and are proving time and time again that they are willing to use it to report those involved in crime.

"This willingness is driven by the desire to do something about the crime that affects our country."

PC Edwards paid tribute to the Lancashire Crimestoppers Administrator, Phil Billsborough, for co-ordinating results of calls to the line.

Anyone with information about a crime can call the Crimestoppers line free and in total confidence on 0800 555 111.