A MAJOR police operation has been hailed a success only two weeks after it was launched, officers said last night.

Operation Ratcatcher is designed to encourage people in North Yorkshire to inform on criminals in their area.

Since the campaign was launched in support of crimefighting Operation Delivery, Crimestoppers has received 20 calls from people in North Yorkshire supplying information about local criminals.

The calls related to a wide range of offences, including robbery, drug dealing, theft, drink-driving and individuals who are wanted on warrant.

The information has been passed to Operation Delivery and police say arrests are imminent.

Calls have also been received regarding the renewed appeal for information relating to the murder of Vicky Glass in the Cleveland Police area.

Detective Constable Hugh Carruthers, from Crimestoppers, said it had been a very encouraging start.

"This is an ideal opportunity for people to do something about criminals in their areas without having to confront them face to face," said Det Con Carruthers.

"All too often, people will bite their tongue and do nothing because they think the police will probably know what criminals are up to. In reality, often we don't. It's the calls from the public that help us catch the rats," he said.

The campaign uses the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111, where people can anonymously tip-off their local police about any criminals in their area.