Mr Straw told the M.E.N. people must have courage that they can help solve crime in their communities and remain anonymous.
He said: "There are a number of areas where, for example, you get black on black very serious crimes and people in the areas know who've done it. They've got to come forward.
"They will be guaranteed anonymity. I've changed the law so that's guaranteed but they have to have the courage to come forward otherwise these crimes will go on."
In his speech to conference on Monday, Mr Straw said the focus of the criminal justice system would shift to ensure fairness for the victims of crime.
He told the M.E.N: "I could come out with a list of crime statistics but anybody who has been a victim of crime and their relatives know that it's just insulting to hear politicians prattle on about statistics and saying your chances are less.
"There are still far too many crimes in this society, too many criminals getting away with things.
"So, whilst we've sought to improve this we've got to do a lot more to put the victim right at the heart of the criminal justice system, much more than they are today and to ensure that there are fewer victims in society especially of the worst type of crimes."
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jb (22/09/2008 at 18:08)
Ah Jack, slight problem here.
The sentences dished out for these serious crimes are far too inadequate.
The scrotes are released far too early and appear to be paid for their time inside, along with the free TV, playstation, gym and drugs.
A more simplistic approach to reforming offenders should be addressed.
My particular favourite is the death penalty, closely followed by castration and birching.
Now before you get on your high horses and shout, lets look at the alternatives.
Prison - overcrowding and early releases, they don't appear to deter some, I mean a lot of offenders.
Rehabilitation in the community, again, ideal for some but do the figures support this.
I know the victims charter appears to work,but try telling the victims and witnesses oh yeah, XXXX will be released in X weeks.
Not really enough time to sell up and move out of the area and get your phone number put to ex directory is it.
Witness protection programs are only available for the most serious of offences, and the local housing authorities view the nature of moving tenants at short notice as an inconsideration which will take 6 months to sort out.
So Jack, asking those families to pass the information on to assist in the reduction of crime needs a bit more something from you.
More anonymity in court please.