By Sarah Armijo

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar launched a new program on Nov. 15, called “Report for Reward”, which will reward helpful citizens up to $500 in exchange for information that leads to the arrest or conviction of a person damaging property as a result of a burglary.

City officials say that the purpose of this program is to help combat residential and vehicular crimes within city limits.

“The Report for Reward program provides a mechanism by which the City can financially reward reports by members of the public that lead to the identification and arrest of persons who damage or destroy property while attempting or executing a residential or vehicular burglary,” according to a City news release.

The first reading of this program occurred at the Oct. 1 city council meeting, where it was unanimously approved for implementation.

Assistant City Manager, David Doyle, said in a statement that the Report for Reward program lends reinforcement to the cooperative effort by City staff, Sheriff deputies, and community members to deter criminals from coming into the City to take what doesn’t belong to them.

The City of Diamond Bar is also working hard to aggressively market the program via all City communication mediums.

“We want word to get out beyond just Diamond Bar residents – this program is open to all members of the public, with the exception of City and Sheriff’s employees,” said Cecilia Arellano, Public Information Coordinator for the City of Diamond Bar.

“The intent of this new program is to encourage everyone – whether they live here, work here, or are just visiting – to lend their eyes and instinct to our shared goal of keeping burglars out of our city,” Doyle said in the statement.

“Our hope is that the financial incentive gives individuals that extra push to be actively vigilant of their surroundings and immediately report suspicious activities to the Sheriff’s station,” he added.

After suspicious activity is reported, representatives from the City and the Sheriff’s Station will review the reports and determine if a financial reward is earned, then decide how much the reward would be.

“To qualify for a reward, the information provided will have been considered as playing a key role in the identification and arrest of individuals who damage or destroy property while attempting or executing a residential or vehicular burglary,” according to the City release.

To participate in the “Report for Reward” program, report suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s Station at (909) 595-2264. However, if the burglary is in progress, please call 9-1-1.

For more information about the program, including answers to frequently-asked questions, please visit the City website at http://www.diamondbarca.gov/RFR.