Stopping crime in its tracks

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By EMC News

EMC Editorial - The program has been around for decades and has had its share of successes. But for Crime Stoppers to continue to work, it requires the support of members of the public willing to call in when they know an offence has been committed.

How the program functions should be well known to residents across the region.

Anyone who has information about local criminal activity that could lead to an arrest and/or recovery of stolen property can earn cash by calling in - anonymously - to an 800 number. There are no questions asked and the tipster never has to testify in court. And if the information they provide does result in an arrest, the caller could qualify for an award to be determined by the local program.

Crime Stoppers is a partnership of the of the public, police and media who work together to assist in solving crime and contributing to an improved quality of life, states the Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers website.

Crime Stoppers was started by a law enforcement officer in Albuquerque, New Mexico back in 1976. It soon spread across North America and was first introduced to Ontario in 1983.

According to an open letter from OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis, the force's commitment to Crime Stoppers remains as strong as ever. With 38 community-based programs in operation across the province - including Kingston/1000 Islands which serves Leeds & Grenville, Lanark County Crime Stoppers and Smiths Falls & District Crime Stoppers - a number of new initiatives have been introduced including one focused on reducing crimes against seniors. Work has also been initiated with pharmacies with an eye to stopping the illegal trade of prescription drugs.

On a local level, assistance in solving thefts or break-ins are always needed and tips that help take a bite out of the local drug trade are always welcome.

"Since its inception in Ontario, the efforts of OACS programs have contributed to a worldwide achievement in recovering more than $10.2 billion in recovered stolen property, as well as drugs that did not reach our communities," Lewis notes in his letter. "Success, such as this, truly indicates the extraordinary concept of the Crime Stoppers program."

For Crime Stoppers to remain effective, people need to be aware as well as vigilant in their communities. The number to call is 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be e-mailed to www.tipsubmit.com