A CAMPAIGN which aims to encourage young people to help fight crime has received the backing of Isle of Man Crimestoppers.

The Fearless initiative informs young people how they can help to solve crimes by providing information anonymously.

The website www.fearless.org includes details of the Crimestoppers hotline – 0800 555 111 - but also includes options to pass on information online via a secure web page.

Chair of Isle of Man Crimestoppers Stuart McCudden said: "We are fortunate that the Island has a low crime rate, but we must never become complacent about how much harm crime can do to those who are victims.

"Crimestoppers plays an important role as a source of information to help detect crimes and bring offenders to justice.

"By focusing on younger members of our community, the Fearless campaign aims to make sure that the Crimestoppers message is reaching them too."

One of the most important elements of the Fearless campaign is to emphasise that information can be passed on anonymously and that no records are kept of phone numbers or email addresses of those who give information.

Crimestoppers research has shown that some young people can be scared to pass on information about crime fearing that they may be identified or that they may be asked to appear as a witness in court.

The Fearless campaign aims to counter these fears and reassures young people that their anonymity will be respected and that the information they provide will be taken seriously.

Radio adverts are currently being broadcast and will continue until February 2012 to promote the site.