Pretoria — Since its inception a year ago, more than 500 suspects have been arrested through the Crime Line initiative.

In addition, goods costing close to R20.4 million have been confiscated through the anti crime campaign, a partnership between Primedia and the South African Police Services (SAPS), which was launched in June 2007.

Crime Line allows members of the public to send information anonymously via SMS on suspected crime. .

"Over the past two months, as a direct result of anonymous tip-offs to 32211 or www.crimeline.co.za , 39 individuals have been arrested and R340 000 worth of goods were seized," said SAPS spokesperson, Sally de Beer.

She said about 22 arrests were made in Gauteng, 14 in the Western Cape and three in the Free State.

The majority of the arrests made, Ms de Beer said, were in connection with dealing in and possession of drugs such as dagga, cocaine, TIK, heroin and ecstasy.

"In one case in Gauteng, an anonymous tip-off advised of a smash-and-grab gang operating at the corner of Honey Street and Joe Slovo Drive in Yeoville.

"Police immediately followed up and arrested two men in possession of spark plugs which they used to smash vehicles windows and grab occupants' possessions."

In another case, police officials, reacting to a Crime Line tip-off, found the information to be negative but while at the premises mentioned in the anonymous SMS, noticed a suspicious vehicle driving past. The vehicle was stopped and proved to be stolen, leading to the arrest of two men.

Head of Primedia's Crime Line, Yusuf Abremjee said through many partnerships, including the SABC, a community radio station, other media partners, NGOs and corporates, the message was fast spreading to all parts of the country.

"Primedia has also extended its marketing campaign of Crime Line to its many media assets across the country."

The two organisations thanked the public who were reporting crime and encouraged all South Africans to join hands to combat crime.

Mr Abramjee also highlighted that the SMS line would not replace, but rather complement, the police's crime stop line.

"This is not an emergency line and if you see a crime taking place or are a victim of crime, call 10111 or your nearest police station," he said.