EXCELLENT - that is the verdict from police chiefs, who have hailed the efforts of law-abiding residents and tenacious York bobbies in stopping offenders in their tracks.

More than a quarter of all calls from North Yorkshire to the Crimestoppers hotline over the last year were made from people in York.

Statistics show that those calls resulted in more than 30 arrests, £12,500 worth of stolen property recovered from thieves and handlers - and drugs with a street value of £13,000 confiscated from dealers.

In fact, one in every four calls to Crimestoppers from a York resident directly led to someone being arrested and charged.

Regional police chiefs said that was one of the highest success rates in the entire country.

DC Kevin Mosley, of Yorkshire and Humber Crimestoppers, thanked both the public and the York division of North Yorkshire Police for their efforts. He said: "It is clear that the quality of information being passed by the public is excellent. North Yorkshire Police work hard with it and act with speed and efficiency to produce these results.

"The arrests are for a variety of offences including drugs trafficking, road traffic offences and robbery."

But DC Mosley urged more people to volunteer information. He said: "The question I am now asking is do you have any information about criminal activity that you have not passed on. If so, why is that?' "Ringing Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 is easy. Calls are never traced, callers are not asked any personal details, and always remain anonymous.

"Interrupting the supply of drugs or stopping a person from becoming another victim can all be achieved by making that one call to Crimestoppers, which leads to the quality of life being improved. The message to offenders is clear - watch out, because the public is on the lookout."

The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and cash rewards are available.