January is Crime Stoppers awareness month and the Crime Stoppers in Chatham-Kent have launched a new 50/50 draw.
Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers Coordinator Erica McIntosh told CK News Today it's their first on-line 50/50 draw with the proceeds going strictly to Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers.
Tickets can be bought by clicking here between January 5, 2023 and March 31, 2023. The draw will be held April 20, 2023 at 7 p.m. at Chatham-Kent police headquarters.
"We are a non-profit organization and rely strictly on fundraising and donations to pay our tipsters and general office expenses," said McIntosh.
She noted tipsters received $1,500 in 2022, while payouts have totalled $10,940 since CK Crime Stoppers started 35 years ago.
"Tips amounts are paid out on a scale basis depending on how good or reliable the information is and severity of the crime. It can range from $100 to $2000," she said. "The information of the tips coming in varies but all tips are reviewed. It shows that the public is an important part in helping to keep crime off the streets."
McIntosh said Crime Stoppers tips can be received by calling 519-351-8477 or 1-800-222-8477, texting 274637 and using keyword CKCS, or by emailing the tip tool on their website, which ever way is more comfortable for the person sending the information.
"Anonymity is paramount to the success of the program. The caller never has to reveal their name. Crime Stoppers credits the tipsters, the media, the police, and the board for the success of the program," said McIntosh.
New board members are always welcomed, according to McIntosh. Applications can be found on the Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers website at www.crime-stoppers.on.ca.
A flag raising was held at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre on Tuesday to recognize Crime Stoppers Awareness Month.
Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers is a volunteer-run community crime prevention program that started in 1987 and encourages anyone with information about a crime to call in a tip anonymously. The information that is then passed on to assist in police investigations. Working with both Chatham-Kent police and Chatham-Kent OPP, the organization relies entirely on donations and fundraising to cover the costs of its tip line, anti-crime programs, and its rewards.
Mayor Darrin Canniff thanked the Crime Stoppers volunteers, board members and Chatham-Kent police for the community's continuous support of the program.
"Being a non-profit, non-government organization, we rely heavily on volunteers and public donations to keep our program going," said President of the Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers Board of Directors Angie Shreve.
The donations received cover the rewards for those who submit tips that lead to an arrest, recovery of stolen property or illicit drugs.
Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers received 586 tips in 2021, made 55 arrests, and recovered $328,500 worth of drugs and property. Numbers for 2022 are being compiled.