Crime stopper number 119

The police have launched a "crime stopper number" to encourage the public to report crime.

Police Commissioner John Rizzo said yesterday the move was a continuation of the police campaign on crime prevention.

Mr Rizzo, who was speaking at one of the regular briefings with the media, said that some time ago the police had introduced the freephone emergency number 112.

The "crime stopper number" - freephone 119 - would enable members of the public to give details about particular crimes without revealing their identity.

Mr Rizzo encouraged more people to come forward and testify since anonymity would hinder the police when charges were not corroborated by witnesses.

"I admire the courage of those who are willing to come forward to testify against someone involved in crime," he said.

Despite this, the police officers who will reply to calls on 119 are being instructed not to press for names if callers prefer not to identify themselves.

Mr Rizzo said the aim of the new service was to promote the culture among the public about the importance of giving information to the police.

"A police force that does not have intelligence cannot be a really efficient force; hence the need for public cooperation," he said.

Mr Rizzo said it was his intention to extend the service to the reporting of domestic violence through free SMS mobile messaging and e-mail. More details would be announced by the police later on.

Also, as part of the public relations campaign, the police are issuing a number of bookmarks and posters designed to encourage more public cooperation in the fight against crime.

Mr Rizzo said that apart from investigating crime, it was also the role of the police to educate the public on being more aware of how to avoid becoming victims of crime.