HOTLINE LAUDED AS 2,600 CAUGHT

More than 2,600 criminals have been arrested in just over a decade thanks
to information supplied to the Crime Stoppers hotline in NSW.

In a new media campaign, the public will be asked to continue the good work
and provide information about drug-related crime, the Police Minister, Mr
Whelan, said yesterday.

Almost 200,000 calls have been made to NSW Crime Stoppers in the past 11
years, with public tip-offs helping police recover more than $6.5 million
in stolen property and seize illegal drugs worth $52 million.

"The message is simple: police need every available piece of community
information on drugs," Mr Whelan said in a statement yesterday.

"Each piece of information helps make up the entire picture.

"What may seem inconclusive to a neighbour can be the final piece in the
puzzle."

The new campaign will encourage people to call 1800 333 000, with
advertisements in all media and on bus shelters, bridge banners and drinks
coasters in pubs, the director of NSW Police information andintelligence,
Ms Nola Watson, said.

In addition to ensuring anonymity, Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to
$1,000 for information leading to an arrest.