Pubdate: Sun, 18 Dec 2011
Source: Northern Advocate (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2011 Northern Advocate
Contact: http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz/feedback/letters-to-the-editor/
Website: http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2929
Author: Kristin Edge

CRIMESTOPPERS PHONE LINE GUARANTEES ANONYMITY

Farmers fearing retaliation for dobbing in dope growers are being
assured total anonymity when giving information to the Crimestoppers
phoneline.

Police want rural Northlanders to dob in dope growers and break the
chain of illegal cannabis growing and dealing.

In the last annual bust, Northland yielded more than a third of the
country's haul of illegal plants.

During the month-long Northland phase of the operation during summer,
34,917 cannabis plants were seized or destroyed, out of the national
total of 97,000 plants.

But a farming leader says there could be some reluctance to give
information as rural residents fear retribution by criminals.

Police have urged people to leave information on a Crimestoppers
phoneline 0800 555 111 or contact their local police station.

Officials running the Crimestoppers line said it provided total
anonymity.

Crimestoppers New Zealand chief executive officer Lou Gardiner said no
one would know who provided the information that helped in the arrest
of a cannabis grower.

"Crimestoppers is a totally independent charity which does not record
phone calls or have caller identification. We are only interested in
the information you have, not who you are," Mr Gardiner said.

Crimestoppers collects the information and it is then passed on to
police.

"Even that specific information, if directly related to an arrest, is
kept from the public so that anonymity is protected.

"It empowers individuals in the community to do something about crime
in their community without endangering themselves, their families and
friends."

He said it was critical to stem the tide of cannabis, particularly to
the younger generation, as cannabis harmed developing brains and often
caused psychotic behaviour. "Maybe if parents knew the facts they
might be a little bit more observant of what their kids are doing."

Information relating to cannabis growing or dealing can be given to
local police stations in confidence or by calling Crimestoppers,
anonymously on 0800 555 111. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.