January is CrimeStoppers month and the 100 Mile House RCMP liaison for CrimeStoppers of the South Cariboo (CSSC), Sgt. Don McLean says community members offering tips really do assist police in deterring crime.
“Not all tips result in arrests, but there have been arrests made over the past year from tips,” says McLean.
“We encourage people who wish to report crimes, but are hesitant about coming forward directly to the detachment or speaking in person to a member [RCMP], to use the program.”
The names of folks who provide tips remain private at the CrimeStoppers level and they will never be called to court, McLean says, adding the RCMP has no contact with the callers at the police level.
Al Blannin has been chair of the CSSC since its inception as a society in 1996.
“There were 44 tips in 2011 leading to seven charges,” Blannin says, adding six cases have been cleared.
“We had $3,541,100 in drugs seized and over $1 million in equipment and cash seized, too.”
Tips may result in callers receiving a cash reward of up to $2,000, depending on arrest, recovery, and charges laid. All money paid out locally is from funds raised through raffles, she says, adding they do not receive any money from outside sources.
“If people wish to leave a tip, the more information they can give us the better, but every tip is useful, even if only limited details are available.”
CSSC board members will be holding a meeting soon to decide on their spring raffle, Blannin says, adding they are grateful for all the community support.
“The CrimeStoppers committee is a dedicated group of community volunteers who are committed to this program,” says McLean.
“They volunteer a considerable amount of time and effort into maintaining the program.”
CSSC does not use call display and members don’t want your name, phone number or e-mail address. They only need your tip.
If people wish to report a tip, they can call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or leave a secure tip online at www.bccrimestoppers.com/links.php.
