Cracking down on valley’s Grinches

Las Vegas police and Crime Stoppers are making property crime pay during the holidays.

Recognizing that a down economy can further embolden the valley's criminal class, authorities are offering $500 rewards for information that leads to the arrest of burglary and robbery suspects. Tipping police to a suspect who used a gun in the commission of a robbery can net an additional $500.

To promote the program, authorities are distributing signs to schools and businesses throughout Las Vegas and unincorporated Clark County. The campaign is getting under way just in time for holiday shopping and the Christmas season, when plenty of households put unopened, popular products in plain sight, right under the tree.

It won't be long before valley residents learn of despicable thefts from all parts of the community. Thieves don't discriminate. They'll steal from the poor, the rich and everyone in between. Recall that only two years ago, burglars stole about $5,000 worth of donated gifts from the nonprofit Junior League that were set for delivery to underprivileged children. Most of the merchandise was clothing, including underwear and shoes.

Callers to Crime Stoppers remain anonymous. Tip numbers are issued to each caller. Tipsters can check back with the group periodically to see if their information led to an arrest. If it did, the caller can visit a local bank and collect the reward by providing the tip number.

"We don't want to know their name," said Las Vegas police Capt. Jim Dixon. "We want to know the thug or punk's name."

As would the public. We'd love to see law enforcement officials make an extra effort to release the names and mug shots of the Las Vegas Valley's biggest Grinches as part of this program. A heaping helping of shame for society's most predatory residents might help discourage the spread of holiday fear.

The campaign is a great idea.

If you have information about a robbery or burglary, or any felony crime, please call Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555.