Chinese city rewards terror informants

Shenzhen police have announced that they will reward anti-terror tipoffs to encourage the public to join the fight against terrorism.

Members of the public can earn rewards by giving information on terrorist activities, and suspicious people, objects and vehicles, Shenzhen municipal public security bureau said in a notice Monday.

Once confirmed, the reward will be calculated on how much damage would have been caused. The rewards range from 2,000 yuan (about $320) to 500,000 yuan, but there is no absolute upper limit.

People can report crimes by dialing 110; by SMS, e-mail, letter; in person to the police; or on the public security bureau website.

Informants' identities will be kept confidential. Anyone who purposely provides false information will be held accountable.

Apart from Shenzhen, Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, has published a similar announcement.