REWARDS of up to £100 will be offered to pupils who give police information about school crime in South Ribble.

Crimestoppers is backing the unique scheme, believed to be the first in Lancashire, which will give students a chance to report crime which occurs both in and out of lesson time.

The pilot project was launched last week at Lostock Hall High School, in response to latest crime figures revealing that a quarter of all crime happens on school premises.

PC Kay Stephenson, local youth and schools liaison officer, said: "It makes sense to ask for pupils help with information which we can use to pursue those responsible for the crimes.

"In the past they might have had the information we needed but, for reasons best known to themselves, have been apprehensive about passing on. Crimestoppers is an ideal way for them to help us in complete confidence with the chance of a reward if offenders are convicted."

DC Andy Edwards, of Crimestoppers, added: "This is the first time this type of approach has been tried and we're hoping to learn valuable lessons from it."

Police will supply boards advertising the new initiative to be used to alert pupils over incidents and asking for information.

If successful the new scheme will be introduced to all 27 South Ribble secondary schools with a potential audience of around 21,000 pupils.

Lostock Hall High headteacher David Lowe: "We applaud the police for this new scheme."

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