The Kawartha-Haliburton
Crime Stoppers program is a member of the Ontario Association of Crime
Stoppers, the Canadian Crime Stoppers, and Crime Stoppers International.
This program is one of the 39 programs in Ontario, one of 90 in Canada, and
one of the 1000 programs worldwide.
The Crime Stoppers program
is a partnership between the media, the public, and the police. Crime
Stoppers is dedicated to reducing crime in our community by allowing people
who might not otherwise get involved to provide information, and to remain
anonymous. If it were not for the information received through Crime
Stoppers many crimes would remain unsolved.
The Kawartha-Haliburton
Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization that is working hardto make the
City of Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton County a safer place to live. The
Crime Stoppers board is made up of volunteers who work independently of the
police. Their aim is to gather information from the public, and pass it on
to the police to solve crime. The board also raises the required funds
throughout the year to support the running of the program, including paying
rewards to callers whose information leads to an arrest, or charges being
laid.
The program continues to
provide information to the Kawartha Lakes Police Service, the Kawartha Lakes
OPP, the Haliburton Highlands OPP, the RCMP, and the Ministry of Natural
Resources, as well as other Federal, and Provincial Enforcement agencies.
Since the Crime Stoppers
Program started here in February 1989 it has received information that has
resulted in $748,723 worth of stolen property has being recovered, and $19
million dollars worth of illegal drugs have been seized, and taken off the
streets. In 2008 the program received 336 tips, the highest amount of tips
ever received in one year.
The Kawartha Lakes Police
Service and the Ontario Provincial Police both provide a constable to serve
as part-time coordinators for the Kawartha-Haliburton Crime Stoppers
Program. The coordinator is responsible for answering calls, disseminating
information to the various law enforcement agencies, tip follow-up,
coordinating reward payments, providing information to the media, and
submitting monthly reports to the board. The Kawartha Lakes Police Service
also provides a meeting room for the Board of Directors and office space for
program operations. There are 14 volunteer board members who have worked
tirelessly during 2008 to raise awareness and funds for crime stoppers.
During the 2008 year
Kawartha Haliburton Crime Stoppers hosted a number of very successful
fundraising events. The golf tournament was held at the Lindsay Golf and
Country Club. This event promises to be bigger and better in 2009 with
plans already underway. The Jail & Bail in April was a very popular event
with many well known locals being arrested and held for ‘bail’. The last
fundraising event for 2008 was the Ride Against Crime Poker Run in
September. The ever popular ‘Great Grocery Shopping Spree’ will be returning
in 2009.
For the first time ever,
Kawartha Haliburton Crime Stoppers has a major sponsor: Frost Insurance
Brokers Limited did not hesitate to lend a financial hand to the program. As
a result of their financial support, crime stoppers now have professional
look complete with signs, stationary and promotional items.
Awareness of the program
was done throughout the year in a number a ways. Primarily it was done
through the media, which has been a constant supporter of the program.
Lindsay this Week and the Lindsay Daily Post provide support by running
crime of the week articles throughout the year as does Bob FM which allow
the coordinator to record a crime of the week on the radio. There was also
participation by way of a booth at the Lindsay Fair and participation in the
Lindsay and Fenelon Falls Santa Claus Parade. Presentations were also
provided to a number of service clubs/groups, schools and businesses in the
community.
The Kawartha-Haliburton
Crime Stoppers Board of Directors would like to thank its supporters,
tipsters, and local media for their help in solving crime and making the
City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County safer places to live in.
Remember, Crime
Stoppers pays up to $2,000.00 cash for information that leads to the arrest
of persons responsible for crimes. The tipster never has to reveal their
identity nor do they have to testify in court. Crime Stoppers works because
of you, please continue to support your local chapter of crime stoppers. If
you would like to give a donation or receive information about how you can
become a board member call Constable Dianna Brown at 324-5252 or Constable
Vicky Fisher at 324-6741.
