In just over a year, community action through the Primedia Crime Line has led to 506 arrests and the seizure of stolen goods valued at more than R20 million. 

According to a statement released by the Primedia Group and the South African Police Service, the majority of arrests have been made in connection with dealing and possession of drugs, while the goods recovered include counterfeit materials as well as abandoned and stolen motor vehicles.

Since its launch in June 2007 Primedia's anonymous tip-off line has received a number of accolades and international recognition. During the Crime Stoppers International (CSI) conference in November 2007, Crime Line was commended for recording the highest number of community driven tip offs in the world.

The successes achieved through Crime Line were indicative of the benefits of partnerships between the public, the media and law enforcement agencies, said CSI.

More recently Crime Line was honoured back home with a Special Recognition Award from Matla a Bana, a children's rights NGO driven by Monique and Callie Strydom. Accepting the award, Head of Crime Line Yusuf Abramjee said, "we are honoured to receive this recognition and we appreciate it. However, I want to dedicate the award to every SAPS member in South Africa who has made arrests thanks to Crime Line tip-offs."

Primedia has announced that over the course of its second year, Crime Line will be extended nationally through media partners such as SABC. Both Primedia and SAPS hope to replicate successful levels of community action throughout the country.

Members of the public can SMS their anonymous tip-offs to 32211.

Director Sally de Beer, spokesperson in the Office of the National Commissioner urges the public to submit detailed tip-offs. "Too many tip-offs cannot be followed up because of lack of adequate information".

The anonymous tip-off line is available 24 hours a day. SMS are charged at R1 each.

For more information visit: www.crimeline.co.za