Crimewatch birthday toast

The remarkable success of Crimewatch can be measured today as the show celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Around 3,000 cases have been featured during its monthly broadcasts on BBC1. And information from viewers has helped to secure a conviction in 450, including 53 murders and 52 rapes.

One case cracked by Crimewatch was the murder of two-year-old James Bulger.

Evidence provided by the programme was also vital in the conviction of Michael Stone for the murders of Lin and Megan Russell and Michael Sams for the murder of teenager Julie Dart and the kidnap of Stephanie Slater.

Nick Ross, who has presented every edition, said: "It's astonishing how many people respond to the show. When it started many police forces were quite hostile, but that has dramatically changed."

Scotland Yard Commissioner Sir John Stevens said: "The programme has been a huge success."