A CHAMPION crimefighting squad is reaching new heights of success, according to the latest statistics.

During the summer, it was confirmed that the Tyne Tees Crimestoppers unit had the best arrest strike rate in the UK, with one resulting from every nine calls.

Now its latest figures, for the four-month period up to the end of October, show that it has gone a step further, to achieve a one-in-eight record.

Had the tally included the three dozen arrests that were made by Customs and Excise, following tip-offs of cigarette and alcohol smuggling, the result would have been even better.

Launched in 1988, the squad, based in Chester-le-Street, is staffed by detectives from the Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland forces.

It has made a total of 2,676 arrests, detected almost 6,500 crimes and recovered almost £4m of property.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Scott, Durham Constabulary's head of CID, said: "Tens of thousands of people who are sickened by crime and genuinely want to help the police have rung Crimestoppers over the years with information.

"They have done this knowing their anonymity is guaranteed. But we believe there are still large sections of the region's population that are unaware of the real impact they can make on the fight against crime, by simply dialling the freephone number, 0800 555111.

"We hope the latest successes will help raise Crimestoppers' profile and get the message across."

While cash rewards are offered of up to £500, or £5,000 in special circumstances, police believe that they are not a key motivating factor.

Det Chief Supt Scott said: "While we have paid out a little over £72,000 in rewards across the years, that represents less than five per cent of callers.

"The majority of people realise it is a positive and effective way of passing on information that helps rid the streets of criminals, without directly involving themselves."