Back to SearchJanuary is Crime Stoppers month and Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers is celebrating its crime-solving efforts that contribute to a safer community.
2023 marks the 36th year the organization has been taking anonymous tips and passing them on to RCMP to help with their investigations.
Coordinator Glynton Brittain says “We’d love to share our specific successes and crimes that we’ve helped solve, but we can’t. Crime Stoppers success depends completely on our promise that tipsters and the information they provide are always completely anonymous. It’s a simple concept that works, empowering residents to fight back against crime by submitting an anonymous tip at 1-800-222-8477 or encrypted online at crimestoppers.net. If that tip leads to an arrest, the individual may receive a reward of up to $2,000 for their efforts.”
Brittain adds, “Almost half of the $326,000 in rewards approved since the program started in the Central Okanagan, has not been claimed. People just want to step up by sharing information that might help police solve a crime.”
And Crime Stoppers is making a difference. Since inception, it has:
- Received over 31,290 tips
- Been responsible for 3,000 arrests clearing almost 4,000 cases
- Recovered almost $100 million in cash, weapons, property and drugs
Besides the tip line, Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers also operates:
- Mug$hots
- Unsolved Crimes
- Missing Persons
- Hot Recs
- Project 529 Garage bicycle registration
- ‘Turn in a Tagger’ graffiti program
- Fortis energy theft program.
Crime Stoppers works in collaboration with the Central Okanagan media which publicize unsolved crimes, and residents that provide anonymous tips for consideration of RCMP and other law enforcement agencies in their investigations. The program is a global initiative led by Crime Stoppers International.
The Crime Stoppers program is provided by the non-profit, volunteer supported Central Okanagan Crime Stopper Society in partnership with the Regional District of Central Okanagan. Society President Andrea Lindal says “the Society Board brings together diverse voices, many are entrepreneurs and small business owners that are involved in helping to keep our communities a safer place.” Anyone interested in volunteering with the Society may contact Coordinator Glynton Brittain – crimestoppers@rdco.com.
Quotes
Loyal Wooldridge, RDCO Board chair
“Since 1987, Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers has been an integral tool in our community crime-fighting efforts. The unique partnership between local media, residents and the RCMP is recognized around the world as one of the most successful programs for solving crimes. In our region alone, anonymous Crime Stoppers tips have resulted in over 3,000 arrests and helped police recover almost $100 million in cash, weapons, property and drugs. Behind those impressive numbers stands a committed and dedicated group of volunteers who have stepped up over the years to serve on the Crime Stoppers Board. On behalf of the Regional District, I thank them all for their valued support to make the Central Okanagan safer for everyone.”
Gord Milsom, City of West Kelowna mayor
“Thank you, Crime Stoppers, for providing our residents with confidential ways to speak out against crime. By working together, we can make our community a safer place for us all.”
Blair Ireland, District of Lake Country mayor
“We’re so glad that the Crime Stoppers program has been active in the Central Okanagan for 36 years – that’s longer than Lake Country has been a district municipality! Citizens anonymously reporting to the tips line, and following the mantra “If you see something, say something” has resulted in many good outcomes when it comes to finding missing persons, stolen property or valuables.
It was great to see the Crime Stoppers team out at Kaloya Park and at the Oyama boat launch this past summer talking to many local families about the Project 529 Garage program. People can register their bike’s make, model and image for free with this program and if it goes missing then an alert is sent out to make sure everyone involved in the program is watching for it. We look forward to more engagement with Lake Country citizens in 2023. It’s not just protecting yourself but protecting your family, friends, neighbours and our whole community.”
Robert Louie, Westbank First Nation chief
“Living and working in a safe and secure community is something that we can all celebrate. Crime Stoppers premise is a simple one that works, encouraging residents to get involved and make our community safer. Westbank First Nation congratulates Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers volunteers and partners in helping to solve crimes and contributing to our quality of life. Limləmt/thank you for helping keep our community safe”
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