Crime Stoppers wants everyone to celebrate Christmas by utilising the anonymous tip line whenever they witness criminal activities. The civilian board which runs Crime Stoppers were at pains yesterday to ensure the public they have nothing to do with Police and stressed that any tips provided will remain anonymous.

The appeal comes after two weeks of escalating gang warfare which has seen three men shot dead, a daylight shooting on Court Street and reports of gunfire across Pembroke.

Chairman John Drew said: "We understand that some members of the public are fearful of giving information directly to the Police or other law enforcement officers and we further recognise that, in some quarters of our community, confidence in law enforcement is lacking.

"Crime Stoppers addresses both of these problems and its guarantee of anonymity allows members of the public to provide much needed information without fear of reprisal and with no strings attached. Crime Stoppers Bermuda feels it has a part to play in helping the community deal with the violent events that have marred the last few months of 2009 and which is now threatening the normal peace of our Island which is usually so evident during the holiday season.

"We have, therefore, decided to send a Christmas card to the public suggesting to them that an appropriate gift this year would be a meaningful tip."

Today they hope members of the community will join them on the front steps of Hamilton's City Hall between 12 p.m. and 12.30 p.m. to receive their card and to show their support for our efforts to 'Break the Silence and Stop the Violence'."

Crime Stoppers guarantees that callers never have to give their name or testify in court. When you call Bermuda Crime Stoppers, trained operators, located in Miami, are interested only in the information provided. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and conversations are not taped or recorded.

And when Crime Stoppers says all calls are anonymous, they promise that:

• You will never be asked for your name

• Your call will not be recorded

• Your call, text or online tip submission will not be traced

• You will not have to make a statement to the police or other law enforcement agency

• You will not have to appear in court

Deputy Chairman Raphael Simons added: "We create a report from the information you give us. Our call handlers will check that this report contains no information that might identify you, e.g. if the call is about your neighbour we will not mention this. We don't even make a note of your gender."

Tips can be called in to 800-8477 or e-mailed via their website www.crimestoppers.bm.