More than 370,000 bus tickets are being issued this week in a bid to help cut burglaries in Luton.
The independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers is launching the campaign to get residents to tell what they know about any burglaries or those handling stolen goods - and they could even get a cash reward.
The appeal by the charity follows a crackdown on burglary in Bedfordshire by police which saw more than 60 people arrested in the first month.
Ann Scott Eastern Regional Manager for Crimestoppers explained why tackling those handling stolen goods is just as important as trying to arrest the burglar: “Removing the market for stolen goods removes the incentive for the burglar to commit offences in the first place.
“Burglars rarely give a second thought to the suffering they cause to others and we would ask the public to help us beat them by providing any information they can. If you have purchased or are looking to purchase a mobile phone, laptop, games console or jewellery from someone and the price seems too good to be true then they could be stolen.
“It may be a bargain to you but to the victim it is stolen memories and it continues their trauma. The next victim could be you or your family or friends.
“Burglary can have a devastating impact – at Christmas this can be even more so. Please given any information you have, no matter how insignificant you feel it might be”.
Those who do not want to speak with Bedfordshire Police on 101 can use Crimestoppers’ 24 hour free phone number, 0800 555 111, where they can give information about crime 100% anonymously.
They could even be eligible to claim a reward of up to £1,000 if that information leads to an arrest and charge. Information can also be given online via a secure form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
David Biles, Chair of Bedfordshire Crimestoppers, added: “We really need the people of Luton to tell us anything they know about burglaries and people handling stolen goods.
“Being burgled is not just about losing possessions, it also robs you of feeling safe in your own home. People should be able to feel secure and confident in their homes. No one has anything to fear by contacting Crimestoppers as you will remain anonymous. We never ask for your name or take any personal details, calls are not traced or recorded and you will not have to go to court or give a statement to the police. In the 25 years that Crimestoppers has been running we have never broken our promise of anonymity”.
Bus tickets will be issued on Arriva buses leaving Arriva The Shire Depot until December 18.