Liberty Police are hoping a new tip line will help them solve crime. YNN’s Venise Toussaint has the story.

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LIBERTY, N.Y. -- Liberty Police are encouraging anyone looking to report crimes or suspicious activity to call their new confidential tip line.

“One hundred percent anonymous,” said Liberty Police Chief Scott Kinne. “You don’t have to leave your name, just leave the information on the answering machine. The detective listens to it and he’ll follow up on that information.”

Police say the new line is the first in the department’s history. They say it was established to provide people who are otherwise apprehensive about contacting the police, a way to provide information that could help solve crimes.

Kinne said, “They worry about retribution, they worry about gang activity and it's a big barrier trying to get over when you're trying to get someone to come forward about an investigation. Maybe this will break down that barrier and it will help us out. I think it will.”

How it will work is residents wishing to report a crime will call the confidential line and leave a message. The voicemails will be checked periodically by police

“It’s really a joint operation between the police and the community keeping everyone safe, so we can work off of the information that we have, but we have to have the information,” Liberty Police Detective Steve D’Agata said.

The number to call is (845) 292-7722. Police say the tip line should not be used to report emergencies or crimes in progress. People wishing to report those incidents should still call 911.