BOSSES at Suffolk’s Crimestoppers have said the 70% increase in calls over the last year is down to the number of successful campaigns they have run. The end of year statistics for the independent crime-fighting charity revealed that more than 180 additional calls were made by members of the public to the organisation compared to the previous year.

But during the year the police detection rate saw a small decrease of one percent to nearly 25%.

A total of nearly 450 pieces of information were passed to police through Crimestoppers last year which has helped bring wanted criminals to justice. Ann Scott, eastern regional manager of Crimestoppers, said: “I’m delighted with the amount of calls received this year. Suffolk is one of the safest counties in the UK but unfortunately crime does still occur.

“This increase in calls clearly shows that the people of Suffolk trust the charity Crimestoppers and want to make a difference in their community.

“We are currently looking to significantly expand the Crimestoppers volunteer committee and in particular recruit those with fundraising, marketing and events organisation skills.”

Numerous campaigns have been launched including one highlighting burglaries in Lowestoft and several ‘Fearless’ events in local schools to promote the Crimestoppers youth brand.

They have also offered several rewards, including one of up to �3,000 for information about an Ipswich armed robbery.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Crimestoppers, please fill out a volunteer enquiry form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/volunteer.