Police to give young informers £10 phone top-ups
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Scottish police are aiming to recruit an army of young supergrasses by rewarding children with mobile phone top-up cards when they inform on misbehaving friends.
The £300,000 campaign, called "Dream On", is designed to discourage young people from becoming involved in anti-social behaviour. It is backed by the Scottish Executive and several youth organisations and will offer £10 top-ups to young informers over the next three months. The Crimestoppers scheme, which includes an anonymous helpline, also sets up a mentoring programme in which reformed youths will tour the country to advise children on how to steer clear of crime.
Detective Inspector David Donaldson, co-ordinator of Crimestoppers Scotland, said: "This campaign encourages people to pass on information and play their part in making communities safer, so they can go out with their friends without fear." He said that the top-ups for mobiles would be provided to children over the phone at the discretion of detectives.
The Scottish Executive and the Royal Bank of Scotland have donated £100,000 between them, of which about £1,500 will be used to buy the top-ups.
Gordon Ferrie, of the Royal Bank of Scotland, said: "The Dream On initiative will make a dramatic difference to the way crime is tackled throughout Scotland. It will target young people and show those who might be vulnerable to getting involved in crime that there is another way. We believe it is important to give young people support and encouragement to enable them to make the best possible choices and realise their potential."