Crime Stoppers of Simcoe-Dufferin-Muskoka received 1,896 new tips and 2,609 follow-up tips in 2014, a combination of calls to the tip line, web tips and mobile text tips.
Tips assisted police in clearing 139 cases resulting in 108 arrests and 306 charges being laid for a variety of offences including Criminal Code, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Highway Traffic Act.
Tips also assisted police in recovering just over $600,000 worth of property and illicit drugs, up from $400,000 in 2013. Since inception in 1987, that number has grown to over $68 million.
Last year saw a drastic increase in the number of cases solved, arrests made and charges laid over 2013. This increase is thanks to great tips from the public, media partners and local police agencies.
During the year, Crime Stoppers has also increased the use of social media to get information out, such as crimes, suspects and missing or wanted persons in the public eye quickly so tipsters can easily access the information.
The Crime Stoppers of Simcoe-Dufferin-Muskoka Board approved more than $21,000 in reward payments in 2014. The money is raised by the board and committee volunteers at a number of local fundraising events. Locally focused committees exist in Barrie, Orillia, Muskoka, Dufferin, South Simcoe, Southern Georgian Bay and the Georgian Triangle.
Crime Stoppers provides a safe, secure and anonymous way for citizens to report crime. Tipsters will never be required to reveal their name, make a statement or appear in court. Phone calls to Crime Stoppers are not recorded and the organization does not use call display. Information could lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Anyone with information about a crime is asked to call 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or go to www.tipsubmit.com to send a web tip.
For more information about how to volunteer, visit www.crimestopperssdm.com or call 705-726-2237.