CRIMESTOPPERS say without the publicity given by the media police would be deprived of valuable crime-solving information.

Roy Trustram, chairman of the Thames Valley organisation, thanked the media for printing its phone number which lets people anonymously give information on crimes.

He said: "Local newspapers regularly carry information about Crimestoppers and give the anonymous freephone number in appeals for information about crime.

"Editorial and other support from television has also been invaluable. There is no doubt that without this publicity, the police would be deprived of valuable crime-solving information and the community would suffer."

The Thames Valley organisation has received more than 2,250 calls during its first two years of operation, leading to the arrest and charge of some 250 people.

Those calls include 627 relating to drugs, 607 for vehicle crime, 78 for assault and 61 for murder or attempted murder.

Last year £98,000 worth of property was recovered and drugs of a street value of more than £27,000 were seized.

Until the middle of June alone there have been 627 actionable calls to Thames Valley Crimestoppers resulting in the arrest and charge of 76 people.

If you have any information call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.