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Local Crime Stoppers' Statistics Top $45 Million
January is Crime Stoppers’ Awareness Month and communities around the world – including Haldimand, Norfolk and Tillsonburg - are benefiting from the successful crime-fighting program.
Since the program’s inception in 1988, Crime Stoppers of Haldimand, Norfolk and Tillsonburg has been working diligently to help solve and prevent crime right here in our local community. Gord Little, Chairperson of Crime Stoppers of Haldimand Norfolk and Tillsonburg, states, “Our outstanding statistics speak volumes as to what Crime Stoppers can achieve and we passed an important statistical milestone in 2011 in that since the program’s inception in 1988, a combined total of more than $45 million worth of illegal drugs and stolen property have been seized locally in our communities thanks to anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers!”
In 2011, almost 600 anonymous tips on everything from traffic violations and animal abuse to drug trafficking and homicides came in to “cash for anonymous tips” program and resulted in over $2.1 million worth of illegal drugs being seized and almost $200,000 worth of stolen property being recovered locally.
Past Chairperson Ken Schaus adds, “Because the program gives individuals an anonymous, confidential way of getting information to authorities without ever having to get involved as a witness, the program appeals to a lot of people - even those who feel that they cannot speak directly to investigators because of fear of retaliation.” Schaus continues, “Each anonymous tip not only helps to make our neighborhoods safer, but every time a tip is received, it sends a message to criminals that they need to think twice about committing crime as they can never be sure who might be watching them and ready to report their illegal activities for a cash reward.”
Since being created in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1976, the Crime Stoppers’ philosophy has spread to more than 20 countries around the world and globally, anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers have resulted in seizures topping $10 billion (www.csiworld.org).
In recognition of the international awareness month proclamation, Crime Stoppers of Haldimand, Norfolk and Tillsonburg will look to continue public education and encourages any community member or group to call the program at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) to ask questions or book a presentation.