CRIMINALS have been urged to dish the dirt on their 'friends'.

Everyone held in custody at police stations in West Yorkshire will be given a Crimestoppers card when they leave, urging them to give information in return for cash.

The card carries the message "Crime didn't pay? ... Crimestoppers may."

It is a joint venture between Target - West Yorkshire Police's biggest-ever crackdown on crime and the fear of crime - and Crimestoppers.

Chief Insp Mark Busley, of West Yorkshire Police's Target team, said: "Crimestoppers and Target are dedicated to reducing crime. Information about those committing it goes a long way towards bringing offenders to justice.

"These cards are a timely reminder to criminals who have just been caught that loyalty is a rare quality in their line of work.

"It's not just the law-abiding public that ring the police with information."

Sgt Ian Froggett, regional co-ordinator for Crimestoppers, added: "We want information about those committing crime. Criminals are well placed to provide details about other offenders.

"Crimestoppers doesn't distinguish between individuals. We encourage everyone to pass on information that may help to reduce crime in our communities.

"If it leads to an arrest or even a prosecution, then that's one fewer criminal on the streets of West Yorkshire."

The pilot scheme will run for six weeks, at which point Crimestoppers and Target will evaluate the results to find out how effective it has been.