Mystery sleuth fights crime with anonymous tip offs

A mystery sleuth has helped police tackle a range of crimes by sending them over 200 tip offs. The letters, always typed in black on white paper, have been sent over the past year and have given police enough information to carry out drug warrants, catch road tax dodgers and non TV licence-payers.

The tip-offs all look exactly the same and all centre on criminal activity in the quiet Somerset town of Highbridge.

Avon and Somerset Police force chiefs are desperate to find out who the budding private detective is and have promised to protect their identity if they come forward.



There are a number of theories as to their identity, with some suggesting they could be a retired policeman or even a crime novel enthusiast.

Highbridge Neighbourhood Sergeant Ian Kennett said he was very keen to make contact with the letters' author.

Sgt Kennett said: "I very much would like to meet or speak to whoever is sending these letters so that I can explain what we are doing about the issues raised. I can reassure the writer that their identity would not be revealed if they have information that they would like the police or council to have."