A new freephone number that people can ring with "any information about any crime", including the offer of rewards, was launched in Dublin yesterday. Called Crimestoppers, the service, which offers cash for information leading to arrest and charge, is to be funded by the private sector and operated by gardai.
The new number, 1800-250025, will operate alongside the existing Garda confidential information line. However, it will function on the basis that callers do not give their names. Assistant Garda Commissioner Mr Noel Conroy said the service should enable the public to pass on information. He compared it to the Neighbourhood Watch scheme, which now involves one million people.
Mr John Hynes, chief executive of An Post, said the service was built on the principle of anonymity and could operate only on that basis.
The idea began in New Mexico more than 20 years ago when police set up an anonymous phone number for information on the murder of a student. The service has been running in parts of Britain since 1988.
The Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, said he welcomed the new service. "I think that Crimestoppers is the embodiment of the type of co-operation which is most effective in fighting crime."
Rewards of between £50 and £200 may be paid to people who give information leading to arrest and charge. Dublin Chamber of Commerce developed the service, in conjunction with the Garda, the Department of Justice and financial support from Hibernian Insurance, the sponsors of RTE's Crimeline programme.
Crimestoppers director Mr Ciaran Conlon said it could also offer rewards of up to £5,000 in relation to serious crimes.
