January is Crime Stoppers month where the organization is recognized as the largest crime solving and crime fighting program in the world.
This year’s theme is ‘Recognizing Transnational Organized Crime’ given the continued increase in human trafficking, the growing threat of cyber-crimes, the infiltration of contraband and counterfeit goods often under the direction of organized crime groups and the global demand for endangered and at-risk species of wildlife that are all threats in communities across Canada and North America.
Crime Stoppers began in the 1970s in the United States and, today, there are some 1,200 local programs in 20 countries around the world and Crime Stoppers Grey-Bruce has been running since 1987.
Crime Stoppers doesn’t receive government funding and is made up of volunteers in the community who fundraise in order to keep the program sustainable. The community based program combines the police, media, and members of the public in a co-operative effort to solve crime.
The program works through anonymous tips left by people who know something about a crime that has been committed. They don’t have to leave their names or testify in court and they could receive a reward if their tip pays off.
Crime Stoppers encourages people to call the toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS, (8477) phone number or submit a secure Web Tip with information about any crimes that have been committed or are about to occur, and the whereabouts of wanted persons, stolen property, or illegal narcotics. The information provided is forwarded anonymously to investigators who then respond back to Crime Stoppers.
By working in partnership with the law enforcement agencies, the media and the public, Crime Stoppers has become a vital link in the fight against crime.
To learn more about Crime Stoppers or how to volunteers, visit:
