Crime Stoppers, which operates the confidential 24-hour Police tips hotline, has appointed a new chairman.

David Pugh, who has been involved with the organisation since its inception eight years ago, has taken over in the hot seat from David Carruthers.

?I am extremely pleased to have been elected chairman of Crime Stoppers Bermuda,? he said. ?We are all painfully aware of the negative impact crime is having in our community and with the support of the Board and the public, I accept the challenge to do what I can to reduce the incidence of crime in Bermuda. Since 1995, Crime Stoppers has been directly or indirectly responsible for the seizure of more than $18 million worth of narcotics, the recovery of approximately $1.5 million in stolen goods and 200 arrests.