Crime-fighting group making a difference

January 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 said they would love to share their specific successes and crimes that they have helped solve, but they 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,” Britttain said.

If a tip leads to an arrest, the individual may receive a reward of up to $2,000 for their efforts.

“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,” Brittain added.

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 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 said 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.

Since its inception, Crime Stoppers 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.