Anti-crime agency sees jump in tips for 2016

Crime Stoppers Central Okanagan received 12 per cent more tips in 2016 than 2015, resulting in more crimes solved, said co-ordinator Gerry Guiltenane.

“We’re definitely seeing a trend upwards, and some of that I think is a result of us having a new website that people can go to,” said Guiltenane.

“We’re also using social media to get our message out to the community.”

In 2015, Crime Stoppers Central Okanagan received 1,205 tips, which led to 44 arrests of people on the most wanted list and 61 arrests of people for other criminal matters.

More than $19,000 was awarded to people in exchange for anonymous tips submitted in the Central Okanagan last year.

“The tips are very important, because some of the information we receive is something the police wouldn’t have,” said Guiltenane.

“Their anonymity is guaranteed, so that helps to overcome public apathy.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Crime Stoppers in the Central Okanagan.

Since the program’s inception, Crime Stoppers Central Okanagan has received 24,500 tips from the public, 2,700 people have been arrested for various offences and 3,600 wanted people have been arrested as a result of those tips.

“As a result of the tips received since inception, we’ve approved over 873 rewards valued at $300,000,” said Guiltenane.

“All that money is raised in the community, and all the money they do raise is used to pay these rewards.”