Crime Stoppers does same thing

Dear editor: Re: Bylaw calls up after summer crackdown, Herald, A1, Nov. 13

The See Something, Say Something program is very close to the same criteria of the Crime Stoppers organization that started in Canada in 1983.

The Crime Stoppers program began in Penticton in 1992 following the identical premise that if you see a crime happening, or hear of a crime about to occur, to phone the TIPS line with the RCMP to report it.

Every "tip" is unanimous, and a monetary award may be given at the discretion of Crime Stoppers personnel.

Crime Stoppers receives no funding from the government; its operation relies solely on private/corporate donations and fund raising events. The Crime Stoppers board of directors are all volunteers from Penticton and area – this board represents six areas in the South Okanagan.

The See Something, Say Something campaign has a $350,000.00 tab for signage, promotional material, private security patrols, RCMP overtime, and extra bylaw staffing.

Penticton crime has increased and it's a tremendous asset to the community to have both the See Something, Say Something program and the Crime Stoppers organization active to stop crime.

Both organizations try to achieve the same thing – stopping/alleviate crime – in our area.

Is there a way that we can band together to achieve more successful results?

More eyes seeing, more voices being heard, and a stronger presence being felt in Penticton will result in more crimes being stopped and solved. Mattie Matheson Past-president, Crime Stoppers, Edmonton and Northern Alberta, South Okanagan Similkameen