When it comes to crime, everybody knows that somebody knows something about that crime.  So how do we share that information with those who need to know?

CRIME STOPPERS RURAL MANITOBA Anonymous tips line 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

CRIME STOPPERS BRANDON Anonymous tips line 204-727-TIPS (8477)

January is Crime Stoppers Awareness Month!

Crime Stoppers is a volunteer driven, community owned, not for-profit organization that serves more than half a million citizens.  There are over 1,200 local Crime Stoppers programs in more than 20 countries around the world.

Since 1985 Manitoba Crime Stoppers has partnered with communities, the media and police agencies, working together to solve crimes committed in rural Manitoba. It is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Public tips are a valuable tool in police investigations. In the past 25 years, Manitoba Crime Stoppers has received over 13,000 tips on criminal activities in our Province. Crime Stoppers is based on the simple principle that for every crime committed, someone other than the criminal has information about it. Manitoba Crime Stoppers provides the public with an avenue to safely and anonymously share valuable information with police agencies about crime.

"A lot of people aren't comfortable with having to leave their name in case it doesn't turn out to be something, and a lot of times they just don't want to get involved but they want to report the information and Crime Stoppers is the best way to do that," shares Brandon Police Service Public Information Officer Sgt. Dana McCallum. 

Over the past 2 years, there has been over $2,000,000 worth of stolen property recovered through the Crime Stoppers Tips line. As well, between two or three major drug busts have taken place, based on tips that have come in the last year. 

"We like to hear people call in to report crime that's happening in their neighborhood, whether it be drug activity, break and enter information, stolen vehicle information, any type of crime," explains Sgt McCallum. "Once we receive a tip, we'll look further in to the information to try to solve it."

"All of the information is anonymous," she continues. "You're not asked for any personal information.  I believe they're given a number that identifies them, and they can check back later and see if their information was in fact acted on.  Because if we do make an arrest based on the information that was provided there is some type of financial benefit for them."

All information gathered is passed along to local authorities. You can earn a cash reward of up to $2000 for information leading to an arrest, with the recovery of drugs, weapons, or stolen property. Your information helps to solve and deter crime and makes our communities safer. 

"We appreciate the members of the public helping us out," adds McCallum. "They're the eyes and ears when we can't be in all the places at once. So, any calls or tips that help us solve crimes is very much appreciated."

Anyone with information on any unsolved crime is asked to call Brandon Crime Stoppers at 204-727-(TIPS) 8477, www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP and your message to CRIMES (274637).