Ahead of the festive season, Crimestoppers has reminded the public in Cumbria that information given to them anonymously could save lives. 

In 2023, the charity received over 45,000 reports about people who regularly drive while under the influence of alcohol and or drugs.

This is almost a 20 per cent increase from the previous year. And on average, they receive 120 reports every day.

Crimestoppers – which is independent of the police – gives people a vital alternative to pass on what they know about crime anonymously. This means when you contact the charity, they never ask for or store your personal details.

In a new campaign, the charity has warned that driving when under the influence ‘kills and devastates lives’.

Read more: How evidence from murder victim Tiffany Render helped convict killer

David Allen, Cumbria Police Fire and Crime Commissioner, said: “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an incredibly selfish act – it puts the driver at risk but also risks the lives of other, innocent, road users, passengers and pedestrians.

“I have worked with Crimestoppers for over 20 years, they are professional, truly anonymous and they work.

“If you do not want to report to the police, please report to Crimestoppers – help us to get dangerous drivers or those using drink or drugs off the roads.”