Cheshire Police Officers say people have begun to respond to their "Do You Know Who You′re Dealing With?" campaign for information about criminals.
The campaign highlights the links between what are generally regarded as petty crimes and the world of organised crime, where the motive is pure profit.
Detective Superintendent Geraint Jones said, "We are out to break the myth that organised crime is a world apart. Criminals live in local communities and their actions affect those communities, ruining lives and causing all types of problems".
As part of the campaign, people are being asked to provide information about crime and about people they believe are involved in crime.
The Cheshire Police website, Cheshire.police.uk, has a form which you can fill in to provide basic information, or you can call the Cheshire Police Information line on 101, or information can be given anonymously on the Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.
Among the criminals being targeted are those who buy and sell stolen goods. The Receivers:
"People think of receivers as figures in the shadows, but one may be living near you," says Detective Sergeant Glyn Leech.
"Most of them make a point of having a ‘normal′ way of life and blending into the background. They believe the best way to avoid being caught is not to arouse suspicion in the first place."
In fact, receivers- people who buy and sell stolen goods- are a vital element of organized crime.
"It′s probably safe to say that without receivers a lot of crime simply wouldn′t exist," says D.S. Leech. "The days when a thief would sit in a pub hawking stolen property, have almost gone. They know that if they do that they are vulnerable. Someone they approach will call us, or they will be caught on the pub′s CCTV.
"Nowadays some may try to sell their loot on the internet, but most know a receiver and because they believe it reduces the risk of being caught, they are prepared to accept the low price they are usually offered for stolen goods.
"Most burglars and thieves are feeding a drug habit. Some receivers are also drug dealers. So, in those cases, stolen goods may be exchanged directly for drugs. If it is a cash deal, the money will probably be used immediately to buy heroin or cocaine, or whatever substance is the drug of choice.
"In both cases the proceeds of a crime stay within the world of organized crime and the receiver has been an important cog in keeping the system running.
"Some people may think of receivers as being slightly to one side of mainline crime. In fact they are a major driving force. If you have any information about someone buying and selling stolen property or if you suspect that someone is making a living in this way, let us know.
"The same applies if you are offered goods in suspicious circumstances or at a price which raises questions about how it was acquired.
"Don′t be tempted to buy. If an item has been stolen it will never legally belong to you. Your "bargain buy" may end up being returned to the owner and you could lose your money. You could also find yourself heavily involved in a police investigation and questioned as a possible receiver of stolen property.
"Turning a blind eye is not an option. If you are offered suspicious goods, whether the offer is made face-to-face, or over the internet, tell us about it.
"We will always follow up any information and if there is an opportunity to collect evidence and make an arrest we will do it."
If you have suspicions about someone receiving stolen property or information about stolen goods, your can find the report form on the Cheshire Police website, Cheshire. Police.uk, by clicking "Get Involved" followed by "Organised Crime" and then "Do you know who?"
Or call the Cheshire Police information line, by dialling 101,
Or you can leave information anonymously on the Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.
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