With the launch of the new toll-free number - 311 - in July, calls to Crime Stop more than doubled in August, moving from 29 in July to 68 in August.

From the calls received, the police were able to remove five high-powered illegal firearms from the streets. These consist of three AK47 high-powered rifles and two 9mm pistols.

Crime Stop is a partnership between the community, the police and the media, designed to involve the public in the fight against crime. Crime Stop encourages the public to give information by offering total anonymity to all callers and, for those who wish, a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest, recovery of stolen property or the seizure of illegal drugs or guns.

The programme is administered by the National Crime Prevention Fund and is run under the direction of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica.