January is Crime Stoppers month - recognized not only in Saskatchewan but around the world.
According to a news release from Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers, there are more than 1,200 Crime Stoppers programs in more than 20 countries around the world.
In our province alone, Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers received almost 900 tips that resulted in 58 arrests as well as the apprehension of four fugitives. Over $53,000 in property and drugs was recovered as well.
Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers is a civilian, non-profit organization that provides the public a way to report criminal activity anonymously to law enforcement.
The program was founded in 1987 and has been touted by law enforcement as a way for those who did not want to give their names to the police a way of providing information to them to help solve crimes.
Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers works with the RCMP to provide anonymous reports of criminal activity in Saskatchewan's rural municipalities, cities, towns, villages and First Nations communities.
A number of other Crime Stoppers programs operate within the province, working with their local police departments. Those are Regina Crime Stoppers, Saskatoon Crime Stoppers, Prince Albert Crime Stoppers and Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers.
Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com or by texting TIP206 and your tip to CRIMES (274637).
In their news release, Sgt. Rob Cozine, RCMP co-ordinator for Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers, reminds the public that "crime doesn't pay but Crime Stoppers does. Cash payments of up to $2,000 can be awarded in exchange for information leading to an arrest or charge."
The success of the program could not be possible, they said, without the support of our major sponsors and partners: the RCMP, SARM, SUMA, Kinsmen and Kinettes Clubs of Saskatchewan, CTV, SaskTel, DirectWest, SGI, Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation and Saskatchewan radio stations.
