A HARD-HITTING new campaign aimed at trapping the "rats" who plague our communities with crime was launched today.

The Evening Press has teamed up with North Yorkshire Police, Crimestoppers and the Safer York Partnership for Operation Ratcatcher.

The four-month initiative - the first of its kind in the York area - is designed to draw vital information from the public about criminals operating in the communities, and for the police to act on these tip-offs.

It will target all criminals, from burglars and street robbers to drug dealers, car criminals and receivers of stolen goods.

With the clocks going back this weekend, the initiative comes against the background of the expected rise in crime that the dark nights will bring.

Autumn and winter months traditionally see an upsurge in crime levels in the city and the police are keen to clamp down on this throughout the season.

The scheme will use the dedicated Crimestoppers number 0800 555111 as a one-stop information hotline, giving people the chance to tip off the police while remaining anonymous.

Ratcatcher is also being backed by a publicity drive, which will see eye-catching posters and leaflets displayed and distributed in areas of the city. Extra resources will be made available to act on information provided by members of the public.

Chief Inspector Kevin Doyle, the police commander for the north and east of York who originally came up with the idea, said: "Often police operations take place without influence or input from communities who are the victims of crime.

"Ratcatcher gives people the opportunity to direct and shape police actions and tactics from a safe, 'behind the scenes' position."

The campaign will also see Safer York Partnership highlighting what measures people can take to avoid being the victims of crime.

Jane Mowat, director of Safer York Partnership, said: "There are many things you can do to prevent 'rats' from entering your home, from damaging or stealing your property, from hurting you or your family. York fares well in comparison to other cities of a similar size and type, but there is always more to be done."

Detective Constable Hugh Carruthers, of Crimestoppers, will be driving home the message that "local information equals local action". He said he wants people to see the Crimestoppers number as a hotline to tip off their local police.

He said a similar drive to tackle drug dealers in Bradford area had resulted in hundreds of calls.

He said: "Today I am making a personal plea for the community of the York area to use the opportunity of Operation Ratcatcher to come forward and ring Crimestoppers to pass information about the criminals who affect our quality of life every."

Updated: 11:03 Tuesday, October 22, 2002