January is Crime Stoppers month, and the organization is hitting a milestone with over 10 billion dollars in drugs and property recovered during arrests world-wide, through tips to the program.
Crime Stoppers began in the U-S in the 1970’s and there are now 12 hundred local programs in 20 countries around the world.
In Grey Bruce, the program has been running since 1987 and it has resulted in the seizure of over 46 million dollars in drugs and stolen goods.
Police Co-ordinator for Grey Bruce Crime Stoppers, Constable Dean Rutherford says along with the seizures, the local program has resulted in 1,360 arrests and the solving of over 24 hundred cases.
Rutherford says his goal this month is to raise awareness about the program and how it works.
Crime stoppers is made up of volunteers in the community and it is not run by police departments.
Constable Rutherford says they do not get government funding, and all the money raised thru Crime stoppers fund-raising efforts, goes towards the rewards program and keeping the office going. (lights, heat, rent).
Crime Stoppers is available by calling 1-800-222-tips anywhere in Ontario.
