Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce has been helping solve crimes for 29 years.
Since the local program began in 1987, it has resulted in the seizure of over $51.7-million worth of drugs and property.
Over the past 29 years, tips have resulted in 1,500 arrests while solving 2,558 cases. 2015 saw the number of tips increase by over 100.
"Police services are presently adopting new strategies in making our communities safer and one of those strategies is 'Community Mobilization.' It is my opinion that Crime Stoppers is a leader in this philosophy that communities can make communities safe!” says Program Coordinator South Bruce OPP Constable Dean Rutherford.
Tipsters have also earned over $242,000 in cash rewards. In fact, information received by crime stoppers resulted in the seizure of over $849,000 in drugs and stolen goods, 28 arrests, and 23 cases cleared.
Social media interaction through Facebook and Twitter is also helping increase the program's success.
All crime stoppers activities are paid for through fundraising by the volunteer board of directors.
“I believe that Crime Stoppers is a program that epitomizes community policing,” says Rutherford. “It allows the public to be the eyes and ears for the police and provides the community with a sense of ownership in creating safe neighbourhoods.”
The media publicizes case re-enactments about wanted persons or unsolved crimes, and anonymous tips are received by the crime stoppers office, and passed on to local police.
Since 1976 Crime Stoppers programs have grown in numbers around the world totaling more than 1,200 in over 22 countries.
“Crime Stoppers works, and it works because of the combined efforts of concerned citizens throughout Grey Bruce who want to make our schools and our communities safer places to live. Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce is proud to be a part of this community, proud to see the community’s support of our program grow each year, and proud to be part of the solution," says Ms. Betty Bender, chairperson of the board for Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce Inc.
