CALLERS who contacted the anonymous Crimestoppers telephone line have been congratulated for helping Gwent Police lead Welsh forces in the number of arrests from information received.

Between October and December 2004, Gwent Police made 113 arrests from the 122 calls passed on by Crimestoppers.

This compares with 47 arrests from 263 calls made to South Wales Police, eight arrests from 48 calls for Dyfed-Powys Police and six arrests from 178 calls for North Wales Police, for the same period.

During those three months, Gwent Police seized drugs with a value of £200,000 as result of information received from the public.

During 2004, Crimestoppers Wales Cymru celebrated a record year with a total of 458 arrests made.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ray Wise, head of Gwent CID, said: "The people of Gwent have made a massive contribution to crime reduction and detection in the county as a result of taking the time and trouble to ring 0800 555111.

"It is a major weapon for us. I believe the results will improve again. "In particular I would ask for information with regard to burglary, vehicle crime and those people who either possess or supply firearms."

A call to Crimestoppers recently resulted in a cannabis seizure in Gwent in excess of £100,000 and has helped combat all types of crime.

He said: "As from April, Crimestoppers will be moving to a 24-7 operation to ensure that every call will be answered and can be routed to the relevant police area."

John Munton, press and publicity officer for Crimestoppers Wales Cymru, said: "I can't really thank enough the citizens of Gwent for their positive attitude in phoning Crimestoppers.

"They are making a tremendous contribution to their own communities and that's what living in a community is all about.

"They can be assured their call will remain anonymous at all times.

"When you call Crimestoppers, you will speak to someone who will ask you various questions and they will forward the details to the police force concerned.

"It's as simple as that. They won't ask your name or attempt to trace where you are calling from."

Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Callers may be eligible for a cash reward.