Crime Stoppers celebrates milestone
The start of a new year is always a cause for celebration with Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers. That’s because every January is recognized across Canada as Crime Stoppers Month.
There’s an additional cause for celebration in the Central Okanagan as February 23, 2021 marks 34 years that Crime Stoppers has been working with citizens, the RCMP and local media to fight crime across the region.
Since inception, Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers has racked up some pretty impressive numbers:
- Tips Received: 29,620
- Arrests Made: 2,945
- Mugshot Arrests: 1109
- Cases Cleared: 3913
- Charges Laid: 759
- Illegal Firearms Seized: 65
The biggest numbers though are in the estimated value of illegal drugs seized, stolen property recovered and proceeds of crime.
- Stolen Property Recovered: $5,130,931
- Illegal Drugs Recovered: $88,645,355
- Cash (proceeds of crime): $163,540
In the 34 years that the program has been operating, 981 rewards have been approved worth over $322,263.
The Crime Stoppers program works in collaboration with the RDCO, the RCMP, citizens, the media and a volunteer Board of Directors (Crime Stoppers Society).
“Our goal is safe homes and safe communities for all our residents and visitors. We combat crime with key participation from engaged community members who can anonymously report tips that our team passes along to RCMP and other law enforcement agencies. It is because of this community-based crime solving action that our citizens are helping the police to help keep the Central Okanagan a safe place to live,” Gerry Guiltenane, Coordinator, said.
The Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers program is a member of British Columbia and Canada Crime Stoppers Associations.
Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers promotes a number of programs that can be viewed on their website at www.crimestoppers.net, or follow them on Facebook at Crime Stoppers Central Okanagan or on Twitter @KelownaCrimes.