People in Guangzhou will earn cash reward of 50 yuan to 300,000 yuan (US$37,450) if they provide tips that help police catch criminals.

The Guangzhou Public Security Bureau launched a crime report center on Tuesday. It allows people to provide clues in public security, economic, traffic and drug cases in the capital of Guangdong Province.

Authorities said they will keep the identities of all tip providers secret.

People can also use a random six-digit code to report a crime if they are unwilling to reveal their real name. They can use the number to claim a reward.

Those who offer tips on obscene behavior or gambling will receive 100 to 200 yuan.

Those who report a theft or robbery can earn a reward of 500 yuan to 10,000 yuan.

People who provide clues to resolve traffic accidents will be rewarded 100 yuan to 5,000 yuan.

People who help crack a drug case can receive as much as 300,000 yuan.

Tip providers of economic crimes will receive up to 100,000 yuan.

Rewards should be claimed within 30 days.

If there is more than one tip provider, only the first person will be rewarded, authorities said.

If a victim or a victim's relative reports a crime, they will not be rewarded.

Besides the 110 hotline, people in Guangzhou can provide tips by sending short messages to 020110 or leaving messages on the report center's Website (www.gzjd.gov.cn).

(Shanghai Daily April 20, 2006)