The Crimestoppers line has led to hundreds of arrests and convictions

For the last 15 years the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line has operated only during office hours.

But with new technology at its Pacific Quay base in Glasgow, the service is now able to handle round-the-clock calls in a bid to solve more crimes.

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson, who officially launched the service, said it was a valuable anti-crime resource.

Double the calls

"Communities have had enough of crime. They want to be safe and feel safe," she said.

"But it's not always easy to report a crime or criminals. Over the past 15 years Crimestoppers Scotland has proved to be an increasingly valuable resource for the police and other agencies working to deliver a safer, stronger Scotland."

Those who operate the hotline are hoping to double the number of calls they receive and in turn the police hope to solve more crimes.

Crimestoppers will allow members of the public the ability to speak with an experienced police officer at any time, day or night Andrew Brown SCRO

Ms Jamieson said she believed the expanded service would leave criminals with "nowhere to hide".

The Crimestoppers call centre used to run from the Strathclyde Police HQ at Pitt Street in Glasgow.

But it moved to the new Scottish Criminal Record Office (SCRO) at Pacific Quay when upgraded technology was installed.

Andrew Brown, chairman of SCRO's executive committee and the chief constable of Grampian Police, said the Scottish public had shown their support for Crimestoppers for many years.

"Through their efforts, individuals involved in many types of criminality have been brought to justice.

"Public confidence in the scheme is highlighted by the year on year increase in calls that continue to be made," he said.

Drug seizures

"Crimestoppers will allow members of the public the ability to speak with an experienced police officer at anytime, day or night."

Last year, the number of calls to the confidential telephone line rose by 23% on the previous year.

Some 7,800 of those calls were passed to Scottish police forces for action, leading to the detection of 836 crimes.

Calls to the number also helped with the recovery of stolen property worth �590,000 and the seizure of drugs valued at �244,000.

Two firearms were also seized as a result of phone calls and almost �2,000 was paid out last year in rewards to callers.