NEWS RELEASE
CRIME STOPPERS
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The 2016 stats have been released by Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington (CSGW), and they show continued support of the crime reporting program.
Last year, 679 calls and web tips were received by the program, which is consistent with past years.
While not a police organization, CSGW works with Wellington County OPP and Guelph Police Service by offering a safe, anonymous method for the public to report information that could lead to arrests in local criminal acts.
As a result of the tips provided, 13 cases were cleared in 2016, resulting in 57 charges being laid.
“Without our Tipsters, those 13 cases would still be outstanding,” observed Sarah Bowers- Peter, Program Coordinator for CSGW. “The public can definitely have an impact on criminal activity here in Guelph-Wellington.”
Since the program started locally in 1988, more than $10 million in personal property has been recovered, with more than $27 million in illegal drugs being seized as a result of Tipster information. The Board of Directors has approved rewards to Tipsters in excess of $162,555 since it was founded, and $4,330 this year alone.
To protect Tipsters, CSGW does not reveal the specific cases that have been solved through the organization.
“We do everything we can to ensure our Tipsters are safe, and that includes not sharing which investigations have used Crime Stoppers tips,” said Bowers-Peter. “It is safe to say that just about every community in Wellington County and within the City of Guelph has had a case solved thanks to a Crime Stoppers Tipster.”
“We have seen more recognition of the program, and awareness from the public which is gratifying,” said Bowers-Peter, adding anyone wanting to book a presentation can do so via www.csgw.tips, which is also one of two ways to report crime, along with the toll free number 1-800-222-TIPS.
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