THE number of arrests made as a result of calls to Crimestoppers by people in North Yorkshire is well above the national average, say police officers.

But there is still room for improvement according to regional co-ordinator, Detective Sergeant Ian Froggett.

"The North Yorkshire public pass some fantastic information via the 0800 555 111 number," he said. "So good in fact that so far this year, every 4.5 calls have led to an arrest compared to a national average of just over 11 calls per arrest.

"This puts North Yorkshire right at the top of the charts, with the police doing some fantastic work to turn information into good arrests."

A York graffiti campaign resulted in 25 calls, which led to five arrests and more than 30 offences of criminal damage being cleared up.

"My only complaint is that we don't get enough calls," said Det Sgt Froggett. "We look upon each call as being a piece of a jigsaw.

"Sometimes it is the first piece and the picture isn't clear. But other times, callers provide several pieces of information, including the final piece which allows the police to act and make a real difference.

"I ask people to make sure that if they have any information at all about criminal activity, they make the call and don't just think that somebody else will do it."