International, this week praised Rotarians for their efforts in the community.

He said the club was the number one supporter of the rewards for tips programme, soon to be introduced here.

"No other organisation has provided more money or leadership,'' he said on Tuesday.

The scheme, he said, has solved more homicides than any other in the United States.

"If not for Crime Stoppers, the terrible crime in the US would be far, far worse,'' he said. "This programme is very significant and very successful.'' After sophisticated finger printing and DNA testing, Crime Stoppers was the third most effective means of solving serious crimes, he said.

"It is a unique vehicle through which people can communicate crime-solving without fear of retaliation.'' From information received, Police have secured a 96 percent conviction rate.

He added that many people were not interested in reward money, but just wanted an opportunity to safely divulge information. Payment is made in a number of ways -- through banks or other organisations where handing out money is a routine occurrence.

Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the programme on all levels.

Financial backing from the community is particularly important so that the programme is not dependent on Government funds or taxes.

He has been active in Crime Stoppers since 1981 and served two two-year terms as chairman of the Texas Crime Stoppers Advisory Council and as a director and secretary of Crime Stoppers International Inc.