HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE – Take A Bite Out Of Crime with Crime Stoppers
In the early years of this 21st century, I was privileged to be a board member with Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers — and it was a great experience!
In 2018 and 2019, I volunteered my time as the “Judge” in their annual Bail or Jail fundraisers at both Devonshire Mall and Tecumseh Mall. Sadly, like many events, the COVID-19 outbreak closed this fundraising activity down for a few years, but word has it that Crime Stoppers might be bringing back Bail or Jail.
So, I’m busy polishing up my court gavel.
Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers started in 1985 and now is in its 38th year. Globally, Crime Stoppers’ programs operate in 20 countries and is a partnership between the public, police, and media.
It provides the community with a proactive program to anonymously assist in the prevention of crimes and in solving crimes, thereby contributing to an improved quality of life in our area.
Statistically, Crime Stoppers has been demonstrated to be an effective deterrent to crime through the community assisting local law enforcement agencies.
According to Program Manager Leigh-Ann Riberdy: “In 2022, Crime Stoppers accounted for 41 arrests made, $87,000 in recovered stolen property, and $65.6 million in illegal drugs that were seized and taken off the streets of our community.”
By guaranteeing anonymity, Crime Stoppers encourages the public to provide information on crimes without the prospect of retribution. By offering cash incentives for information leading to a crime resolution, the program encourages otherwise reluctant callers to provide information.
“$1.2 million in rewards have been authorized since 1985,” reports Riberdy.
Calls received through the Crime Stoppers tip line are not recorded and the tipster’s phone number never appears.
Tipsters can also provide information online by using secure and anonymous software. This can be accessed from their website: CatchCrooks.com.
The information received is then passed on to investigators for follow up. And because it is anonymous, tipsters have no fear of having to possibly testify in court proceedings.
They rely on assistance from their media partners to relay requests to the public for information. Other requests for information on crimes are through radio segments and Crime Stoppers social media platforms.
The program is a not-for-profit charity consisting of a civilian Board of Directors, Program Manager and two Police Coordinators (see accompanying photo).
The program, along with cash rewards, is funded by private donations and various fundraising initiatives. NO TAX DOLLARS are ever involved.
As Riberdy reminds us: “The mission of Crime Stoppers is to increase public awareness of the program with a goal of achieving reduction, prevention and resolution, in crime occurrences in Windsor and Essex County.”
Due to the recent pandemic, the organization lost the opportunity to educate the public through their presentations in high schools and other events. It also had to close fundraisers that support the program.
Riberdy makes the appeal: “We are now in recovery mode to reintroduce the program, resume fundraising events, attend events, and continue to keep our community safe. We need help right now with donations, grants and profit-making events. We want to continue to be successful in solving crime and increase the number of people who actively use our program.”
Please support the following Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers upcoming events . . .
- November 17, 2023: A Wild Game Dinner at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens in Kingsville. Ticket sales began the first week of September.
- Sales of the Crime Stoppers’ Charity Canine 2023/2024 Calendar, for $10 each, is currently underway, featuring dogs from the Windsor Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, and Canada Border Services Agency.
- All year long businesses who wish to demonstrate their support for the program may purchase a plaque to publicly display at their business. The program is $200 each year for five years, for a total of $1,000.
- January is Crime Stoppers Month! The organization will be celebrating with community education and awareness events and thanking their supporters and volunteers with a special fundraiser.
You can contact the Crime Stoppers office (258-TIPS) for donations or go to their website: CatchCrooks.com and help take a bite or two out of crime!
