Tip-offs lead to $855,000 haul

ANONYMOUS crime fighters helped to nab more than 50 offenders on the Fraser Coast last year, statistics released by Crime Stoppers have shown this week.

Crime Stoppers Queensland branch released the annual statistics to mark celebrations of Crime Stoppers day yesterday.

Anonymous tips to the hotline and on the web helped in the arrests of 58 offenders across the Fraser Coast, who were arrested on charges relating to drugs, weapons and possession of stolen property.

Across the Fraser Coast, $855, 223 worth of drugs were seized and destroyed.

In one memorable incident in August, a male person was arrested for being in possession of $450, 000 worth of cannabis thanks in part to anonymous tips made to Crime Stoppers.

The man was charged with six different drug-related offences.

Crime Stoppers chief executive Trevor O'Hara took the release of the statistics as an opportunity to remind Fraser Coast residents to keep the number handy.

"Store the number 1800 333 000 in your phone now," he said.

"You never know when you might see or hear something which you can share anonymously with Crime Stoppers and help to protect our Queensland way of life."

Across the state, the Crime Stoppers hotline had a 7% increase in calls, year on year, as well as a 45% increase in reports on the website.

"As a direct result of this information flow through Crime Stoppers and the subsequent investigative work of the Queensland Police Service personnel, a total of 1795 offenders were arrested on 4692 charges during 2011," Mr O'Hara said.

More than 53, 000 reports were made to the hotline, while more than 3000 reports were made via the website.

Anyone can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or by going online to qld.crimestoppers.com.au.