Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce is now be able to receive confidential tips via the World Wide Web.

Crime Stoppers is a community-based program that allows the public to anonymously report information that could assist law enforcement in the solving of crime while at the same time allowing the tipster to earn a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Traditionally, calls have been received by telephone however, as Program Coordinator OPP Constable Dean Rutherford says "it's time to get with the times.

"We realize that there are those in today's generation who feel more comfortable in front of a computer than on a telephone and therefore, we've introduced technology that will allow tipsters to provide information through a secure website." Rutherford said.

Twenty-two of the 38 Crime Stopper programs in Ontario are now utilizing web tips and have reported great success in the process.

Instead of picking up a phone and dialing 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) tipsters will have the option of contacting a "secure" server and typing in the information.

Tipsters will be afforded the opportunity to provide their own code number or one will be provided for them.

The quickest way to hook up to the secure server is to log on to the Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce website, a link to which is provided, and click onto the web-tip icon.

Tipsters can also access it through the online portal, for which there is also a link.

"I realize that some people may have concerns about the security of web-tips (hackers etc.)" said Rutherford "however I'm assured that the online portal is a very security hardened server which gets tested and certified daily by the world's largest server security auditing firm and recent technology allows us to keep all data on the server encrypted at all times."

Benefits of the "web tips" include the capability of two way dialogue and the capability of reporting a tip on a computer from anywhere in the world.

 "Anonymity is the cornerstone of the Crime Stoppers Program" says Rutherford. "Whether it's a telephone call or a web tip, our #1 priority is maintaining that anonymity. It's your information we want, not your name."