Families and children are the target of a campaign asking people to report crime, to help break the cycle.

Crime Stoppers began the drive this week, in response to the increase in ram raids and youth offending over the past year.

The organisation's chief executive Hadyn Smith says using Crime Stoppers to report illegal or dangerous things is a way to help make communities safer.

"The focus is on family awareness and safely sharing what you know, not who you are.

"One call about a ram raid, a robbery or even who was involved could perhaps remove someone from a life of crime or whānau from the misery of being stuck in a bad place."

He says when family members are involved with crime, it often leaves people feeling scared about getting involved and speaking up.

"The issue is getting whānau especially, to feel that they can speak up and break that cycle with their children, and we wanted to make sure people were aware of the options they had."

Smith says they want people to know they are not the police, and are a separate organisation, that people can use to report anything illegal or dangerous, without having to give their identity.

He says the campaign aims to build awareness through social and digital channels, and has been designed to be seen and heard by youth.

Anyone can reach Crime Stoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

-RNZ.