Hope tip-off line will give clue

Police are hoping a new anonymous tip-off line might provide the vital piece of information needed to solve a four-year-old murder case.

Crimestoppers NZ, which was launched in October, provides an avenue for people to pass on information about crime and criminals without having to call the police to do so.

It is an independent charity and not part of the police or government.

Detective senior sergeant Gerry Whitley has been investigating the murder of 22-year-old mother Katrina Jefferies since her body was found in Waikowhai Reserve, Hillsborough, in 2005.

He says although nothing pertinent to the case has come from the line yet, people will realise they can call it and even the police don’t find out their identity.

"I hope someone does it, it may be that piece we need."

He says information about the murder is still coming in every couple of weeks through other channels but nothing has led to an arrest yet.

So far Crimestoppers has had about 630 calls, 243 of which were described as actionable by police.

The main crime reported was the supply and distribution of drugs and other crimes included theft, information on wanted people and sex offences.

It has been hailed as a success by Police Minister Judith Collins, who is delighted New Zealanders are taking full advantage of the service.

"As it has done so successfully in many countries overseas, Crimestoppers provides a safe, anonymous channel by which people can speak out and speak the truth. The information provided will help police solve crime faster and more effectively."

The Crimestoppers line is 0800-555-111. An online encrypted message form is available at www.crimestoppers-nz.org.