One of the most valuable tools in fighting crime sits right on Sgt. Ed Swanson’s belt. Located alongside the Douglas County sheriff’s sergeant’s taser, gun and handcuffs, is a cell phone.

“I carry a phone with me 24-7, 365 days a year, on-duty and off-duty,” Swanson said.

Swanson is assigned to answer all calls that come into the Lawrence-Douglas County CrimeStoppers Tips line.

Late last year, Swanson fielded a call that led to two cold cases being solved.

“I never know when I take a call what the information is going to lead to,” he said.

In this case, Lawrence police detectives had exhausted all leads in their investigation of an armed robbery June 9 at Mr. Goodcents, 1410 Kasold Dr. and an Aug. 3 armed robbery at a Conoco convenience store, 2447 W. Sixth St.

But an anonymous tip led police to arrest Topeka resident Sedryck E. Welch earlier this month. Welch has been charged in Douglas County with two counts of aggravated robbery.

“This one arrest was based solely on a tip,” CrimeStoppers Board President Patrick Rapp said. “They wouldn’t have gotten this person if someone didn’t call in and give a tip.”

Those running the CrimeStoppers program would like to see more success stories.

Rapp said calls have increased to the tips line. Swanson estimates he’s received more than 55 calls since taking over the position last August. He said the majority of tips are drug-related, but calls range from tips about convicted sex offenders in the community to information on people selling magazines without a license. And everything in between.

“I think most of the time the tips that are called in are legitimate, credible information,” Swanson said. “We get calls from people who have intimate knowledge of a person’s involvement in a particular crime.”

All calls to the line remain anonymous. The number does not subscribe to caller ID. Callers who provide information that leads to an arrest are eligible for reward money and depending on the severity of the crime, callers could receive up to $1,000.

Rapp said the program is a win-win for everyone involved, especially given the tough economy.

“We think it’s extremely important because we are providing law enforcement tips to help them where maybe they wouldn’t have the wherewithal to be able to get those tips,” Rapp said. “If we have the community coming in and giving us tips, and we can pay for that, that’s helping them fight crime.”