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| NEWS - July 27, 2010 |
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| County joining Crime Stoppers program to try and reduce vandalism |
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Keith Lacey
Leader Staff
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Barrhead County is teaming up with the regional Crime Stoppers program following a recent rash of vandalism in the Lac La Nonne area.
County manager Mark Oberg told county council at its meeting July 20 that numerous signs paid for by county taxpayers had been torn down or damaged and other incidents of vandalism have taken place over the past few months around Lac La Nonne.
From talking to RCMP officers and residents in the area, many know who are responsible for much of the damage, but some neighbours are afraid to call police out of fear of retribution, said Oberg.
Top brass from the RCMP recommended the county officially become a member of Crime Stoppers Association of Edmonton and Northern Alberta (CSAENA), which will allow members of the public to provide anonymous tips without ever having to testify in court, said Oberg.
Under the Crime Stoppers program, people who provide tips that lead to arrest and a criminal conviction are eligible for small cash rewards and never have to testify in court.
The Crime Stoppers program is a huge success across the country, said Oberg.
With the support of council to join CSAENA, notices will be put up across the county informing members of the public about Crime Stoppers and how the program works, he said.
Coun. Bill Lane presented a motion to have the county join Crime Stoppers "as soon as possible" which was unanimously supported by his fellow councillors.
Since CSAENA incorporated its own board of directors to hand out cash rewards to people who provide anonymous tips in December of 2009, almost $1.3 million has been handed out.
Anyone who believes they have information on a criminal act, can phone Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
To ensure the anonymity of the tipster, they are given a code number. Once the information is evaluated, a police investigator is given the information and if the information is of value and results in the arrest, seizure of illicit drugs or stolen property or solving of a criminal case, then the details of the case are brought to the awards committee of the board for a decision.
The tipster can call back on the TIPS line, identify themselves by their code number and be advised to pick up his or her award.
There are currently Crime Stoppers programs in Camrose, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, South Peace, St. Albert and Strathcona County. |
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