The number of criminals in Thames Valley arrested or charged after calls to the Crimestoppers hotline has reached a record high.

In August, 143 calls which played a major part in solving crime were made to the Kidlington-based hotline - the highest number Thames Valley Crimestoppers has received in one month since it set up just over two years ago.

A survey, commissioned by hotline organisers, revealed that despite an increased fear of crime, only 18 per cent of people were willing to report a crime. However, 76 per cent said they were happy to use the anonymous Crimestoppers number.

Roy Trustram Eve, chairman of Thames Valley Crimestoppers said: "The aim of Crimestoppers is to represent those in society that can't, or are too afraid, to contact the police if they have information about a crime.

"This survey highlights that, nationally, this applies to almost 25 per cent of respondents. Unfortunately, the people most vulnerable to crime are often those who most fear reporting it."

From April 1, 1999 to August 31, 2001, almost 2,636 calls, giving information about criminal activity in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, were made.

Mr Trustram Eve added: "These calls have resulted in the arrest of 299 individuals for offences ranging from murder, arson, and serious assaults to theft, fraud and vehicle crime."

"In no less than 26 per cent of cases, Thames Valley Police found the information given by callers to Crimestoppers very accurate.

"This clearly demonstrates the value of the information and the success of Crimestoppers in making the Thames Valley safer for people to live and to work."

In 2000, property worth £98,000 was recovered thanks to calls to Thames Valley Crimestoppers, along with drugs with a street value of £27,000.

Each month, on average, 13 people are arrested and charged because of anonymous calls made across Thames Valley.

The Crimestoppers number is 0800 555 111.