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A new service that allows the public to anonymously report anyone who they believe to be a criminal via Facebook has been launched by Lothian and Borders police.

The 'Made from Crime' scheme is in place to tackle crimes relating to stolen goods. The end goal is to crack down on the amount of stolen goods that are being sold, and reduce the profits that the criminals are making in Scotland. The police force has already seized more than £41 million worth of stolen goods, and plans to put that money to use in 'fantastic new local community projects'.

Iain Livingstone, assistant chief constable of Lothian and Borders, said: 'We know there are people living beyond their means on the proceeds of crime, be it through the purchase of flash cars, designer clothes or expensive jewellery, and that communities are suffering from the side effects of drug dealing, violence and other associated crimes.'

The initiative launched by the Scottish police force provides the public with a link to the Crimestoppers website via Facebook. Livingstone said: 'We will act on intelligence and bring offenders to justice.'

The social media-based campaign relies on the public to play an important role in the control of crime, by reporting any suspicious activity. Kenny MacAskill, justice secretary for the Scottish government, said: 'All of us have a role to play in tackling crime - whether it is by helping the police to identify those making a comfortable living from crime, or through respecting the law and refusing to provide custom to illegal activities.'

The scheme allows complete anonymity and Kate Jackson, assistant director of Crimestoppers, said: 'Crimestoppers is not interested in who you are, it's what you know.'

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