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Fewer tips but better info

Crime Stoppers sees big bump in cleared cases
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Fewer tips but better quality info to Crime Stoppers SDM is making a difference, says program coordinator OPP Const. Chris Lewis. File photo Sue Sgambati/BarrieToday

Crime Stoppers of Simcoe-Dufferin-Muskoka received 428 new tips and more than 577 follow-ups to existing tips in the first quarter of 2016, down from the same time period last year.

In the first quarter of 2015, there were 494 new tips and 945 follow-ups.

But the number of cases cleared in this quarter is up significantly over the same time last year - 64 cases in 2015 compared to 91 cases so far this year.

"The number of cases cleared is higher but the number of tips we received is lower so you can equate that to, I think, the tips we're getting are better," said OPP Const. Chris Lewis, coordinator of Crime Stoppers SDM. "We're getting more useful information and it's obviously being used by the police and making a difference."

Crime Stoppers tips helped police recover $206,000 in illegal drugs and property during the first quarter of 2016.   

The number of arrests was up slightly at 43 during this quarter compared to 36 in the first quarter of 2015.

The 91 cases cleared resulted in 122 charges being laid for a variety of offences including Criminal Code, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Highway Traffic Act.    

So far in 2016, the Crime Stoppers SDM Board has approved $6,470 in reward payments for successful tips.  

Anyone with information about a crime can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or go to tipsubmit.com to send a tip online.

 


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Sue Sgambati

About the Author: Sue Sgambati

Sue has had a 30-year career in journalism working for print, radio and TV. She is a proud member of the Barrie community.
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