NEIGHBOURHOOD snoops are being offered cash to shop rent cheats as part of a new operation being launched in Burnley.

Tenants who perform ‘midnight flits’ and leave homes owing rent are being targeted by the borough’s largest housing body Calico.

Rent defaulters contributed towards the £1.25million owed by Calico’s debtors in 2009-10.

And while rent collection rates curently run at more than 99 per cent, Calico bosses are urging the public to be their eyes and ears to catch out the few who still flout the system.

If their tip-offs lead to a rent cheat being caught, they could be in line for a cash reward under the new initiative, codenamed Operation Done A Bunk.

The firm has not revealed how much the rewards would be.

Helen Roberts, Calico’s income manager, said: “We sincerely appreciate those who consistently pay their rent on time and inform us before they move, and instances of people abandoning their property without notifying us are thankfully rare.

“However, when they do occur, they cause huge problems both for us and for tenants.

“If a tenant abandons their property without notice, Calico will be left with a backlog of unpaid rent.

“Rent money helps to pay for vital services, including repairs and refurbishments, so any money we lose directly affects the help we provide to tenants.”

Around 70 per cent of people who leave without providing a forwarding address can usually be traced through a checking service. But some still escape the net.

Payouts for tip-offs will only be offered after a full investigation takes place.

Mrs Roberts added: “If we wish to combat this, we need the help of our residents. With the information they give us, we will be better equipped to track them down and work with them to pay back the money they owe.”

The housing association looks after 4,500 in the Burnley area, including former council transferred to the not-for-profit firm several years ago.

People can report their suspicions by e-mailing incomemanagement@calico.org.uk, calling a freephone number 0800 169 2407, or visit Calico's offices off Centenary Way, Burnley.