MORE Scots are reporting crime to a charity which allows any tips to remain anonymous.

Crimestoppers say they have received a record number of reports from the public across Scotland over the last 12 months which has lead to convictions.

The total calls from the Scottish public between the period of April 1, last year to March 31, this year was 12,233.

Crimestoppers say that is an increase of 21 per cent on last year, plus 9,119 pieces of information were actioned by law enforcement.

Angela Parker National Manager for Crimestoppers Scotland said: “This is an impressive increase that shows how people are putting their trust in our charity as a way to pass on crime information whilst remaining 100 per cent anonymous.

“Often people are too scared or concerned to speak directly to the police, despite holding the key in terms of crime information.

“Our guarantee of anonymity means they can pass on information without fearing consequences.

“Their identity will never be known.”

The anonymous reports meant five people were arrested and charged with murder.

A total of 575 criminals were also arrested and charged, which is an increase of 20 per cent.

In addition, 14 firearms, 172 ammunition and five knives were recovered.

Drugs worth a street value of £1,585,612 were seized. This is more than the drugs worth a street value of £976,920 recovered the previous year.

Property worth a value of £124,000 was recovered, an increase of 118 per cent on the previous year.

The charity said £50,000 was offered in enhanced rewards.

Crimestoppers encourages people to pass on information about crime 100 per cent anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or using our non-traceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Chief Inspector Ronnie Megaughin said: “Police Scotland has a long standing relationship with Crimestoppers which through their multi-lingual reporting options offers us the opportunity to receive information from the increasingly diverse population of Scotland. We realise that some people will not, for a variety of reasons, be necessarily comfortable contacting the police to report their suspicions of crimes and other matters but through the service provided by Crimestoppers they can do so with anonymity.”