Would you report on a neighbour for a cash reward?
On tonight's One Show, Anita Rani visits Waltham Forest Council who have started a new scheme offering cash rewards for residents who report antisocial behaviour to the authorities. Anyone who photographs dog fouling, litter being dropped, graffiti crime or fly tipping which result in prosecution will receive a cash reward. Other councils across the UK are offering similar schemes.
Crimestoppers - a clarification
Update: 20/8/09. After last night's 'reporting antisocial behaviour'  film was broadcast, Anita joined Gloria and Gethin in the studio to chat about the issues raised.
In response to Gloria's question about confidentiality, Anita said: "to receive the reward you have to be prepared to be a witness in court..."
We'd like to make clear that Anita's response refers to the local council reward schemes only. Anita was not referring to people who report information to the charity Crimestoppers, who were also mentioned in the conversation.
Crimestoppers tell us that; Any rewards offered through Crimestoppers are paid anonymously - people do not get called to court. Everyone who contacts Crimestoppers with information about crimes remain anonymous throughout. Calls are not traced or recorded and no personal details of the caller are taken.
More info about the work of Crimestoppers on their .
Join the debate: Do you think offering cash rewards will encourage snooping and pit members of the community against each other? Or do you think the money could work as an incentive for more people to report minor crimes?
SHARE YOUR VIEWS - Share your views and stories.
Comments