CRIME-BUSTING charity Lancashire Crimestoppers has announced their most successful year since being launched more than ten years ago.

The Crimestoppers line issued 2,485 actions to a number of law enforcement agencies including the police, HM Customs, Trading Standards and the benefits Agency.

These resulted in 163 arrests and a hoard of stolen property worth more than £63,000 has been netted as well as £13,000 worth of drugs.

Crimestoppers co-ordinator PC Andy Edwards said the results were very pleasing and the massive increase in arrests was proof of the scheme's success.

He said: "The Crimestoppers scheme is now becoming an integral part of initiatives being carried out by the police. 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."

He added: "This willingness is driven by the desire to do something about the crime that affects our county, and not by any financial incentive as out of the 163 arrests, only three callers asked for, and were paid, rewards."

Since the launch of the scheme a number of major donations have been handed to the scheme including cash from BNFL, The Lancashire Partnership Against Crime, Lancashire Police Federation Constable's Branch Board, Vauxhall Motors and Guides UK.

The money raised helps promote the Crimestoppers freephone number, 0800 555 111, in a number of different areas.