scheme being introduced this spring by the Police and Human Affairs Ministry in an effort to combat rising crime.

Rewards ranging from $25 to $1,000 will be meted out to members of the public for information on crimes -- regardless of whether a case results in conviction.

And the scheme, modelled on retired Texas judge Mr. Richard Carter's successful Crime Stoppers International, is not expected to cost the taxpayer a penny.

A citizens Board of Directors will solicit donations from the private sector and decide who gets how much for their tips.

"The idea is not to create vigilante groups. What we are doing is asking people to be more vigilant,'' Human Affairs and Information Minister the Hon.

Jerome Dill said at a news conference yesterday.

It has been touted as the "most effective law enforcement programme to come along in 25 years'', Assistant Police Commissioner Mr. Wayne Perinchief said.

He became aware of the scheme while on a course in the US.

"It will be a more innovative way of facilitating what we already do,'' he said. "That is, receive information from the community and use it.

"There is some concern people may be overzealous in giving information but I can't see that. All we are asking people to do is their moral civic duty -- and they may get a reward.'' Mr. Perinchief said the key to the scheme's success was that it countered "apathy and fear of involvement'', two things which deter citizens from calling Police.

"It is based on the principle that for every crime committed, someone other than the criminal has information that would solve it,'' he said.

Crime Stoppers enables people with information to call a number -- expected to be 1-800-TIPS -- anonymously, though they would have to give a contact number to a liaison officer so a reward could be made.

A cash reward will encourage the person to speak up.

A Police liaison will ensure the information is acted upon and feed the results to the citizens' board.

Mr. Perinchief said he planned to have the scheme in place as early as April.

A deputy commissioner had already been found, though he would not release the name because the directors may remain anonymous.

Agencies represented on the Board will include the Chamber of Commerce, Bermuda Hotel Association and various business groups and community clubs.

A crime of the week and month will be publicised through the media and there will be re-enactments of crimes to heighten community awareness and give a clearer picture of suspects.

Mr. Perinchief said Crime Stoppers Bermuda could be used, for example, to encourage tips on the whereabouts of stolen bikes and stashes of illegal drugs or smuggling schemes.

"Who's doing what is what we want to know,'' he said.

He added introduction of the scheme had been attempted in 1986, but the timing had been wrong.

Mr. Dill said the timing was right now because residents were saying "enough is enough'' and "we want to get involved''.

Mr. Carter, a judge, lawyer and advisor to Texas law enforcement authorities, is on the Island this week to help Government launch the scheme.

He said the scheme was founded in 1976 in Albuquerque, New Mexico and there were now more than 1,000 Crime Stoppers programmes in the world.

There were often doubts in communities planning to introduce the scheme, he noted. However, they were soon dispelled by its success in catching criminals.

"It is very cost effective and has helped solve 100,000 serious crimes.''