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Landscapers The Latest To Target Local Crime

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Criminals have long feared the long-arm of the law, but they may now fear the long-reach of the gardener.

Deerfield Beach officials have put together a plan for employees who trim trees, pick up litter on the beach, and handle other landscaping duties to be on the lookout for crime.

So far, approximately 70 city-employed landscapers and garbage truck drivers have received training on what to look for crime while their going through their daily tasks. If the tips lead to an arrest, the employee receives up to a $100 reward.

Deerfield Beach Police Chief Pete Sudler said this is the first such program in Broward County and it's funded by a sheriff's office trust fund.

A second group of 35 workers is set to train with Broward Sheriff's Office next week.

According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, BSO has previously trained more than 225 Waste Management garbage truck drivers to spot crimes as they drive through the county.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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