In 2010, Crime Stoppers has posted another enviable record of success.  When compared with the program’s performance in 2009, numbers in almost every measurable statistic are up and, in places, by rather staggering amounts.

Some highlights at the end of 2010 include:

• The value of stolen property recovered increased over 500%
• The amount of drugs seized up almost 340%
• The value of recovered property, drugs, etc. has improved by more than 350%
• The number of arrests increased over 50%
• The number of calls the toll-free line has taken has increased by more than 35%

Our mandate of anonymity precludes Crime Stoppers from digging deeper into the data to source the success, however, some obvious indicators point to the tremendous contribution made by local media outlets in broadcasting out message.  Even the subtlest mention of Crime Stoppers and the toll-free number in a newscast or news story produces results.  Equally, our relationship with the many police agencies allows us to move information received quickly and anonymously and cases can be solved very quickly; at times, in a few days.

Naturally, the success comes with a cost.  The number of rewards paid out through 2010 increased by 50% of the amount paid through the entire 12 months of 2009. Crime Stoppers asks for your help by making a small donation through the secure PayPal link on the www.tipshelp.com website.  Your investment is very important: for every dollar Crime Stoppers pays out in rewards, it amounts to $6,400 of drugs and stolen property taken off our streets and away from schools.

Crime Stoppers news and updates are available at our Tipshelp website, joining the Crime Stopper’s Facebook Page and following Crime Stoppers on Twitter.

Crime Stoppers is a citizen, media and police co-operative program designed to involve the public in the fight against crime. Crime Stoppers will provide citizens with a vehicle to anonymously supply the police with information to a crime they may have knowingly witnessed or a crime or potential crime to which they may have knowledge.

Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

Fraud Prevention Month: 10 timely tips from ProtectionPower.ca

ProtectionPower.ca, which offers identity theft protection resources and services to Canadians, fully supports the Fraud Prevention Month awareness campaign led by the federal Competition Bureau.

“Fraud covers a broad range of criminal activity, including mortgage fraud, scam emails, fake job offers and illicit prescription drugs,” says Sylvain Patry, identity theft expert and senior vice-president of ProtectionPower.ca. “Too often Canadians are unwitting participants in fraudulent schemes that cost them significant amounts of money.”

ProtectionPower.ca offers 10 timely fraud prevention tips:

1. Don’t let your thirst for a bargain get in the way of common sense. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Cheap prescription drugs or weight-loss products, discount designer fashions … they’re probably little more than snake oil and cheap ripoffs.
2. Job scams are prevalent, especially in tough economic times. Beware overpaid work-at-home “opportunities,” job ads without legitimate contact information and any job application asking for your SIN or photocopied identification.
3. If someone tells you you’ve won a prize or a lottery, ensure you actually entered the contest.
4. Beware of any offer that involves wiring money or cashing cheques (especially if you are asked to return a portion of the funds).
5. Always ask for documentation before you pay an invoice or accept an order.
6. If you wish to donate, contact the organization yourself. New scams and fake charities always arise, in particular, around Christmas and in the wake of natural disasters.
7. Do not give out personal or financial information via phone, email or fax. Do not use a call-back number or link provided in an email; phone the agency directly.
8. Never enter false information on a mortgage application; do not accept money for using your name and financial information to apply for a mortgage that’s not yours.
9. Learn to spot phishing emails and phone calls. These appear to come from legitimate businesses and ask you to “verify your account” or “confirm your identity.” They may contain threats such as “respond within 48 hours or your account will be closed.” Do not reply to these messages.
10. Stay vigilant. The effects of fraud can be extensive and long-lasting. Check your credit report regularly. Monitor your credit card bills and bank statements for any unusual activity.

In 2010, Crime Stoppers has posted an enviable record of success.  When compared with the program’s performance in 2009, numbers in almost every measurable statistic are up and, in places, by rather staggering amounts.

Some highlights at the end of 2010 include:

• The amount of drugs seized up almost 425%
• The value of recovered property, drugs, etc. has improved by more than 400%
• The number of calls the toll-free line has taken has increased by more than 80%
• The number of rewards being paid out has doubled.

Our mandate of anonymity precludes Crime Stoppers from digging deeper into the data to source the success, however, some obvious indicators point to the tremendous contribution made by local media outlets in broadcasting out message.  Even the subtlest mention of Crime Stoppers and the toll-free number in a newscast or news story produces results.  Equally, our relationship with the many police agencies allows us to move information received quickly and anonymously and cases can be solved very quickly; at times, in a few days.

Naturally, the success comes with a cost.  The number of rewards paid out through the first six months of 2010 are double the amount paid through the entire 12 months of 2009.  Crime Stoppers asks for your help by making a small donation through the secure PayPal link on the www.tipshelp.com website.  Your investment is very important: for every dollar Crime Stoppers pays out in rewards, it amounts to $6,400 of drugs and stolen property taken off our streets and away from schools.

Crime Stoppers news and updates are available at our Tipshelp website, joining the Crime Stopper’s Facebook Page and following Crime Stoppers on Twitter.

Crime Stoppers is a citizen, media and police co-operative program designed to involve the public in the fight against crime. Crime Stoppers will provide citizens with a vehicle to anonymously supply the police with information to a crime they may have knowingly witnessed or a crime or potential crime to which they may have knowledge.

Your continued support is greatly appreciated.