Huron Perth Crime Stoppers (HPCS) is looking for new members.
Chair of HPCS Wayne Somers says the group is particularly looking to add new members in Perth County, including members to sit on the board of directors. Somers says they need new community members who are able to help Crime Stoppers continue to serve the area and keep the community safe by assisting the police and media with tips on crime.
"We're particularly interested in those that can give some time to fundraising and are also able to attend some of out fundraising events to lend a hand," Somers explained.
Somers says that includes the annual golf tournament, which will be in Goderich on August 9. He adds that all of the operating costs are from fundraising, as Crime Stoppers receives no government funding, save for one critical thing.
"And that is the Ministry of the Attorney General does provide funding for our after hours call centre, which makes Crime Stoppers a 24/7, 365-day-a-year program," Somers said.
Despite what some believe, Somers notes that Crime Stoppers is a non-profit, community-based program, and is not the police. It works in conjunction with local police and media to gather tips on local crime. Since its inception in 1988, Huron Perth Crime Stoppers has received almost 15,000 tips, which has resulted in almost 1,400 arrests and almost 2,900 charges laid.
Those tips also resulted in over 1,000 weapons being seized, $3.7 million worth of property/cash being recovered, and $17.5 million worth of drugs seized. The local Crime Stoppers program has given almost $134,000 in reward payments to those who have provided tips.
Somers says Huron Perth Crime Stoppers will soon be centralizing and partnering with the Stratford Police Service in Perth County. He adds that when people provide tips via the phone or online, anonymity is guaranteed. You won't be called to testify, and they don't have call display for phone tips, and online tips are safeguarded.
"There is a special program in place that washes away the IP address of the computer being used. So we truly have no idea who is there and at the end of the day, successful tips can be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000," Somers pointed out.
If you're interested in becoming a member, email hpcrimestoppers@gmail.com or visit hpcrimestoppers.com.
You can also submit tips anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or submit a tip at www.P3tips.com.