This month is Crime Stoppers month.
Sergeant Tom Cooney says the program was started back in 1976 in Albuquerque New Mexico and has been running here in Manitoba since 1985. "It's a program where by the general public can safely and anonymously provide information to their local police departments in regards to crimes that are happening in their communities or have possibly already happened." he explains.

Cooney says the program is still experiencing high call volume, in fact he says last year they received over 600 calls or tips through the program which is up 10% from the previous year.

When asked what the results were from these calls, he had some 2011 statistics available. " From (those calls) there was 51 arrests made, we had 37 criminal files that were actually concluded successfully, from that information we were able to take 6 weapons off the street, property that we recovered that was stolen was just over $20,000 and we were able to seize just over $217,000 worth of drugs."

Cooney notes many people may not know that Crime Stoppers is a Community Project supported by donations of money, goods or services.  Contributions from individuals, corporations, clubs, retailers and social groups keep the Crime stoppers program functional.

Cooney adds he has heard some rumours stating the hotline is only open Monday to Friday 9-5 but he says that is simply not true. He notes there is someone available to take people's calls 24/7. Cooney adds they have also expanded the ways people can send a tip to Crime Stoppers. He explains they used to only have the phone number but they are now able to receive messages online and by text message.

Cooney says if you have information regarding a crime in your community you can call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), you can go online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or you can text a message in to TIPMAN along with your message and you send that to CRIMES (274637)