Given that only in the last few weeks statistics have shown a worrying increase in the amount of crime in Bradford, any initiative to combat it has to be welcomed.

Actually, the link-up between Bradford Council and Crimestoppers seems a very sensible one. The idea of encouraging the Council's 5,000 workers to act as the eyes and ears of the community and use the Crimestoppers system to "shop" lawbreakers is a sensible way of giving a major boost to the anti-crime network of the district.

However, it should not stop there, with the Council workers taking on this responsibility. It is up to every one of us to do what we can to turn back the tide of crime which is damaging the quality of life for so many people. The police say they are hoping that information coming from members of the public will help them identify and arrest those responsible for committing crime.

There must be plenty of people who would be willing to take advantage of the anonymity afforded by Crimestoppers to report their suspicions about illegal activity, but can't immediately lay their hands on the telephone number. Having it emblazoned on the sides of 900 Council-owned vehicles is a good way of making that number more widely known.

The Council workers will be setting an example that all of us should follow if the police are to get the information they need to tackle the criminals and get them off the streets. If we all know the Crimestoppers number, there can be no excuse for turning a blind eye to suspicious or illegal behaviour.