A NEW campaign to get guns off the streets of West Yorkshire has been launched.

Crimestoppers is urging people to "shop" anyone who they believe has access to a gun.

The independent charity is asking for anyone with information about people who have guns, whether they are imitation or real, to call them anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The move follows a number of incidents - including the shootings of a nightclubber in Ravensthorpe and West Yorkshire police officer Sharon

Beshenivsky.

Det Sgt Ian Froggett, Crimestoppers' regional co-ordinator, said: "We know many people are afraid to go to the police but there is an alternative."

Crimestoppers does not ask for any information about callers and they do not record or trace calls.

Det Sgt Froggett said: "It's not just the criminals who are affected but innocent by-standers who can also be caught up in this ruthless violence perpetuated by criminals who do not care who gets in the way.

"The growth of imitation firearms over `real' firearms, is no less worrying as criminals use them as a blunt instrument, or to intimidate and threaten people because it is extremely difficult to tell the difference.

"This campaign is focusing on people who are on the fringes of gun crime - relatives, friends or people who are being pressurised to get involved in crime and use a gun, or an imitation gun.

"In fact, anyone who has information about people who have guns should call us.

"We know that people at times can be wary of going to the police, but there is another option.

"You don't need to worry that they will ever find out that you called Crimestoppers and you can do something to protect yourself and your community."

West Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable David Crompton added: "Despite some high profile incidents gun crime is actually not a major problem across the county.

"Nevertheless it does occur and it is a vitally important issue. We are working hard to tackle the problem by being involved in campaigns such as this.

"We want the public to continue to feel safe within West Yorkshire and getting guns off the streets will contribute in ensuring this."

* Firearms were used in 22,789 recorded crimes in England and Wales in 2004/2005.

* Over half of gun crime offences in 2004/2005 invol- ved air weapons.

* Gun crime remains a relatively rare activity - one in every 250 crimes involves a firearm.

* There were 78 killings involving firearms in 2004/2005 up from 68 in 2003/2004.

* 22 police officers were injured by a firearm while on duty in 2004/2005.

* 553 firearms crimes resulted in serious injury - down 7% from 2003/2004.