NORWICH – The Norwich Police Department has established a new Crime Tips phone line and web page that allows residents to make confidential reports of on-going criminal activity in their neighborhoods.

“The Norwich Police Force always appreciates the assistance of our community partners in our crime fighting efforts. Most of our recent investigations have started because members of the community have offered to help,” said Police Chief Joseph Angelino.

Angelino said the new non-emergency number, 336-8477 (TIPS), would be set apart from the routine call traffic police usually get at their station’s regular numbers and records the tips in a database that only a few investigators will access. The police tip web page is www.npdtips.com.

“When you dial 336-TIPS, you will be prompted to leave a message describing the issue. This phone line will be checked regularly by one of the department’s investigators. If you leave your contact information, an investigator will get back in touch with you as soon as possible. Because this is ‘one-way’ communication and we can’t ask questions, it is important to leave detailed information. If you choose to leave a call back number or an e-mail address, we assure you this will be kept confidential,” explained Angelino.

“Callers may choose to remain anonymous or they may leave contact information in order to be contacted by a detective. The tip line does not capture, record or display any information about the caller.  There is no means to contact the caller unless the caller chooses to provide contact information,” Angelino reiterated.

Detective Michael Purdy, one of the officers in charge monitoring the messages, warned against possible prank calls. “We anticipate some prank or harassing calls and we’ll deal with them on a case-by-case basis. We do reserve the right to investigate annoying or harassing communications made to the tip line,” he said.