It's a new, anonymous way of tipping off authorities that is circulating around Chester - a town that has seen its share of crime. But will residents actually use them? It cost $650 for postage on 1500 of the anonymous crime reporting postcards. Officials hope they result in getting crime solving information that has immeasurable value.
It's Chester's newest crime solving tool. It is a pre-stamped postcard addressed to the police department. People can write information on it and mail it in anonymously.
Police expect to get everything from noise, nuisance and truancy reports to drugs, violence and murder related tips. Cops will give cards to civic groups and individuals who live near crime scenes.
Police are trying to track whoever killed Sheila Horsey's nephew 2 weeks ago. She welcomes the postcards if they help solve crimes.
Shelia tells us, "That's a good thing. All the bad stuff going on around here."
But some Chester residents say it's hard to trust law enforcement's promise of anonymity. In a city besieged by violent crime, it seems fear of retribution can be hard to shake.
Police hope to break through the fear with these postcards and create a viable avenue of anti -crime communication.
Police hope to break through the fear, assuring anonymity and promising action. To handle false reports police assure they investigate complaints before they act on them.
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