Crimestoppers hotline staff 'baffled by bizarre cold weather calls'

Staff manning a national crime-fighting hotline have been baffled by a series of bizarre calls provoked by the cold weather.

Crimestoppers has received a flurry of calls from residents grumbling about snowball fights, sledging and poorly gritted roads.

The anonymous telephone service, set up to catch criminals, have also fielded some less common complaints about other features of the festive season.

They included a shopping centre Father Christmas who stank of booze and an obscene snowman which featured an extra carrot.

Another homeowner called to complain that his flashing, outdoor Father Christmas display had gone missing.

The man claimed he was the victim of jealous neighbours trying to sabotage a Christmas lights competition in his street.

Michael Laurie, chief executive of Crimestoppers, said the charity receives about 250 pieces of information a day through calls, texts and emails.

He said: "Unfortunately crime is a year-round issue that doesn't take a break over Christmas.

"In fact, there are some crimes, such as burglary and domestic violence, that tend to rise during this time.

"While we do receive some amusing calls, it's essential people realise the importance of their information on crime.

"We want to reassure the public that they can pass on information about crimes to Crimestoppers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the whole year, even on Christmas Day."

Crimestoppers also released details of some other unusual calls received during 2009.

They included a prisoner who rang to say his toilet roll had been stolen and a shopper who spotted Osama bin Laden in Tesco.

Another call featured fears over a man driving with two broken arms and an injured leg, and a woman suspicious of a bald neighbour who often used a hairdryer.

One informant described a drug dealer as "looking like Popeye" and another complained he had been sold tree bark instead of skunk cannabis.

Crimestoppers operates the 0800 555111 telephone number and website crimestoppers-uk.org for people to pass on information anonymously.