Crime Stoppers is a partnership of the public, police and media which provides the community with a proactive program for people to anonymously assist the police in solving crime, contributing to an improved quality of life.
A Little History About the Origins of Crime Stoppers...
Crime Stoppers was the brain child of Canadian born Greg MacAleese, a Detective with the Albuquerque Police Department in New Mexico in 1976. Greg had run out of leads in a homicide investigation and out of frustration appealed to the public for assistance. He went so far as to produce the first re-enactment which was aired on local television with different formats available for radio and print media. Anyone providing information regarding this murder would be eligible for a cash reward.
Within hours of the broadcast a young individual called in valuable information that resulted in the arrest and conviction of two individuals who were sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole.
The growth has been dramatic with Crime Stoppers implemented in more than 1,000 communities worldwide. In November 1982, Calgary was the first Canadian city to start the program, followed by Edmonton in 1983. Hamilton was the first city in the province of Ontario to implement the program and there are currently over 90 programs across Canada, 39 in the province of Ontario.
Metropolitan Toronto Crime Stoppers began in 1984 and on April 1, 1986, Toronto and Regional Crime Stoppers Inc. was founded and under this umbrella includes Toronto, Peel, and York, forming one of the largest programs in North America.
How Crime Stoppers Works
Each week, the media appeals for information about unsolved crimes which they highlight in television reenactments, radio spots and newspaper articles.
Individuals who know anyone responsible for a crime or have information that will assist investigators can call Crime Stoppers at (416) 222-TIPS or use the toll free number, 1-800-222-TIPS. Crime Stoppers can take information 24 HOURS A DAY in any of 140 languages. You'll never have to identify yourself, or testify in court. Anonymity is guaranteed.
People providing information get a secret code number if the tip leads to an arrest. Calls are not recorded and no-one involved with Crime Stoppers knows the identity of the callers. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display.
Who Operates Crime Stoppers?
A group of concerned citizens volunteer to serve on the Board of Directors to oversee the Toronto and Regional Crime Stoppers Program. The board members meet regularly to manage and promote the program, raise funds and authorize reward payments.
The Metropolitan Toronto Police Service provides a coordinator to manage the day-to-day operations and staff to take tips called into the Crime Stoppers hot line.
Results
Information from callers has led to arrests in homicides, armed robberies, sexual assaults and drug trafficking operations. Results speak for themselves. Since 1984, when Toronto and Regional Crime Stoppers was launched, the program has been responsible for:
- Over 6,000 arrests
- More than 17,000 criminal charges
- Over 14 million in property recovered
- Over 36 million in illegal drugs seized
Donation Information
The rewards paid by Toronto and Regional Crime Stoppers are not financed through tax dollars and all money required to support the program must be raised through individual and corporate support. Crime Stoppers is a federally registered charity and donations are tax-deductible.
Cheques may be sent to:
Toronto and Regional Crime Stoppers
P.O. Box 993 Postal Station F
Toronto, Ontario
M4Y-2N9
TCA’s Anti-Theft Decals
To order please complete the following form and fax to TCA @ 416-499-8752
Price:
$10.00/per sheet for TCA members + GST
$30.00/per sheet for non-members + GST
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CRIME STOPPERS
1-800-222-TIPS
