You've helped us catch criminals

MAIL readers have been praised by police in East Yorkshire after helping to track down almost 50 criminals as part of the Caught On Camera initiative.

Communities across East Yorkshire have been thanked by officers for their efforts in identifying dozens of criminals who may otherwise have avoided justice.

Robbers, thieves, shoplifters and fraudsters have all be prosecuted for their crimes because of the public's help.

Hundreds of people have contacted detectives since the re-launch of the Caught On Camera scheme, which is a partnership between the Mail and Humberside Police, in August last year.

Since then, 80 case files have appeared in the Mail and on our website.

As a direct result of information passed to detectives, 48 criminals have been identified and dealt with by the police.

One of those is Tony Kirk, of Great Thornton Street, Hull.

He was identified by several readers after appearing as part of the coverage in connection stealing lead.

Kirk was prosecuted for two house burglaries but admitted another eight when detectives caught up with him.

The 30-year-old was given a prison sentence of two years and six months.

Detective Sergeant John Fuller, from Humberside Police's priority crime team, based at Priory Road Police Station, west Hull, told the Mail: "We would like to pass on a huge thank you to the readers of the Mail who have followed Caught On Camera and passed on information to us.

"Everyone who has looked over the pictures in the newspaper and online have contributed to cleaning the streets of crime and disorder.

"We have cleared up 48 crimes which otherwise may have gone undetected – and that has been done as a direct result of the people of Hull and the East Riding helping us in our enquiries.

Mail editor John Meehan said: "The people who commit these offences are a blight on our communities and need to be brought to justice.

"This partnership between the Mail and Humberside Police has increased the chances of this happening and we are thankful for the readers' contribution to tracking down these criminals."

Caught On Camera aims to help identify people thought to be responsible for many different types of crimes, such as theft, burglary, robbery and assault.

A hotline has been set up at Humberside Police's headquarters in Priory Road, west Hull, for readers to call with information. Anyone with details can call (01482) 578025 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.