CALLS from the public have led to 1,000 arrests in our Crimestoppers region so far this year - almost double last year's tally.

It is the first time a regional branch of Crimestoppers has broken through the four figure arrest tally in any one year.

The Yorkshire, Humber and East Midlands region of Crimestoppers includes West Yorkshire.

It smashed through the 1,000 barrier with an arrest in the Humberside Police area for a theft in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire.

The figure is a huge increase from the 526 arrests last year from 7,680 calls made.

The regional office in Wakefield is made up of a detective sergeant and a detective constable along with a six-strong team which handles the calls.

Between them they have passed on information from 11,000 calls to police forces this year.

Det Sgt Ian Froggett, who is in charge of the office, said: "I'm absolutely delighted with the outstanding success we've had this year. The team has put a real effort in when talking to callers and also following up photographs and videos sent out to the media for appeals for information."

He added: "Campaigns like Dob in a Dealer in Huddersfield and other parts of West Yorkshire have shown the extent to which people genuinely want to get involved in fighting crime without fear of reprisal."

Det Sgt Froggett also believes success is down to continuing to spread the word about Crimestoppers to the public, probationers, police community support officers and neighbourhood wardens.

He said: "Many of these 1,000 arrests might not have been made if ultimately people didn't contact us and pass on good quality information.

"It shows that criminals really should live in fear because they just won't know who's behind the next knock at their door.

"Crimestoppers would like to extend a really huge personal thank you to all those who've had the courage to phone, but we can't because we don't know who you are.

"Please continue to show your support because your call really could make a difference."