Crimestoppers prefer justice to cash

In the 15-year history of Crimestoppers, only 11 Londoners have claimed a financial reward - showing they are more interested in justice than money.

Crimestoppers has taken more than 40,000 calls from the public, helping secure convictions in 539 murders and attempted murders.

But new figures released today show those with information about unsolved crimes are driven by community spirit not cash.

Detective Sergeant Michael Gordon-Gibson, who helps run Crimestoppers, said: "When told they could get a reward, many callers say: 'No, just get these people off the streets'."

Last year Crimestoppers was crucial in cracking 65 murders and attempted murders in England and Wales.

About half the successes were in London and many were black-on-black Operation Trident shootings, where police often rely on inside information for results.

Rewards of up to £500 are made on a points basis according to the seriousness of the crime. But nationally, only one in 25 claim a reward - an average of £139.