More than 500 people have been arrested as a result of information passed anonymously to the Thames Valley Crimestoppers line.

The latest figures were welcomed by Roy Trustram Eve, chairman of Thames Valley Crimestoppers, which was launched in April 1999.

He said: "With 500 arrests we have now passed an important milestone.

"What this proves is that the community is prepared to help the police to solve crime by passing on information.

"By using Crimestoppers' 0800 555111 freephone number, callers need have no fear for their safety since they do not have to give their name, but they can be confident that they're making an important contribution to fighting crime."

In Oxfordshire, 133 people have been arrested and charged. Most calls are about people committing traffic or drugs offences.

A total of 386 calls from Oxfordshire has resulted in the arrest and charge of 54 drink-drivers and disqualified drivers.

There were 302 calls about drugs, resulting in 36 arrests.

Double the usual number of calls were received during September following Crimestoppers Week.

Crimestoppers is run by a charity. Next year it will focus on encouraging young people to call.

Conversations are not traced or recorded.

The Oxford Mail helped to spread an anti-drugs message and raise awareness of Crimestoppers by sponsoring the SNAP (Say No And Phone) tour of schools by pop singer David Graham earlier this month.

He encouraged children to call Crimestoppers if they came into contact with drugs or drug dealers.