Crime is something every community faces. It is not only the responsibility of the police, but that of the citizens within a community to help bring criminals to justice. Most citizens of a community fail to provide information as they do not want to go to court or deal directly with the police. Some people think that there is nothing they can do to make a difference. These citizens would like to do the right thing, but for a variety of reasons, including fear of repercussions, or not having the amount of time it takes to attend court and give a statement, prefer to keep their anonymity.
It’s only when we realize that we must all work together to make our community a better and safer place. You may think that you can’t make a difference, but you can!
If you are one of the people who would like to help, but don’t know what you can do, you are in luck, as there is an organization that allows you to provide information on criminal activity, without dealing directly with the police. This organization welcomes all types of information; from information on drug activity, to organized crime, to stolen goods, and more. The smallest piece of information provided might point law enforcement in the right direction, or put the last piece of the puzzle in place. First hand information is particularly important. You may even receive a monetary award, up to $2000, for the information you provide if it leads to an arrest. This organization does not wait for convictions as this can sometimes take way to long! This organization makes heroes out of ordinary citizens and it is called Crime Stoppers.
Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization that does not receive government funding. It is not run by law enforcement, but instead by volunteers from the community. It’s important to note that no one, not even the police, can find out who has provided the tip. Crime Stoppers provides tipsters with complete anonymity. Your name, telephone number, address, etc. is never asked of you. Crime Stoppers will only identify you with a Tipster number. Your identity will never be known by anyone. Crime Stoppers will even edit the information you provide, to protect any information that might disclose your identity. Crime Stoppers is a tool to help you become a nameless everyday hero in your community.
Please help your community by becoming a nameless everyday hero and calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) or visiting the website at www.SouthOkanaganCrimeStoppers.ca for other anonymous ways of passing along information. To learn more about Crime Stoppers contact Al Sismey, the Regional Crime Stoppers Coordinator at 250-770-4721.
-By James Laton