Crime Stoppers Month officially kicked off Thursday with a flag raising in downtown Chatham.
Crime Stoppers is being recognized across Canada and Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Caniff was joined by organization volunteers outside the Civic Centre to run the flag and pose for photos.
In a news release issued Thursday afternoon, Crime Stoppers Board Chair Angie Shreve said the organization enjoyed a very successful 2018 here.
“Through the combined efforts of tipsters, the media, police agencies and the hard work of our board members many incidents were successfully investigated and solved," Shreve said. "In 2018 the program received 805 tips which lead to 156 cases being cleared, resulting in 106 arrests and 161 charges laid. The program was successful in seizing $258,808 in drugs and stolen property."
Shreve added Crime Stoppers accounted for the recovery of 18 stolen vehicles, 18 weapons and located eight wanted persons.
Canniff said the organization has been serving the community for more than 30 years. He added the work done is invaluable and the volunteer board members make Chatham-Kent a better place to live.
Crime Stoppers said it will host two free skates later this month on January 13 at 1 p.m. at the Thames Campus Arena and another January 20 at 2 p.m. at the Bothwell Arena.
The organization will also be co-hosting this months Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event on January 16 at the Shore Bar and Grill.
