In its anniversary month, Crime Stoppers expresses thanks to everyone who has helped the 4-year-old program to succeed.
Crime Stoppers gives gratitude to the many volunteers who operate the program, none of whom receive a salary; the media who advertise the program’s weekly request for information on crimes; and to the citizens of the territory, who provided the 1,682 anonymous crime tips over the last four years.
Crime Stoppers thanks the men and women of law enforcement who worked residents’ tips; and the almost 400 citizens and businesses who donated the funds to cover the expenses of running the program and paying the rewards, which is the program’s single largest expense.
“Thanks to all of you for making Crime Stoppers a very successful organization,” the organization writes in a press release. “You have made a substantial and positive difference in the community.”
During the last four years, residents’ tips have produced 176 additional arrests and have allowed law enforcement to remove 90 illegal weapons from the streets. More than $134,000 worth of stolen cash and property has been recovered.
Crime Stoppers reminds residents that of the 58 tipsters who received more than $55,000 in cash rewards from the program, not one of them had their identity revealed.
Not included in the above statistics are the crimes, including several homicides, that tips have allowed law enforcement to prevent from occurring.
“We know there will always be a criminal element among us but we also know that by telling us what you know, you have made the Virgin Islands a safer place. Once again, THANK YOU,” Crime Stoppers says.
What does the program still need? “More tips, more volunteers and more financial supporters.”
For details on how to become a member or sponsor, please go to www.CrimeStoppersUSVI.org and click on “Support Us.”
If you would like to volunteer, e-mail crimestoppersvi@gmail.com.
To submit a tip, log on to www.CrimeStoppersUSVI.org or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can also text your tip to “USVI” plus your message to CRIMES (274637).
If you know something, say something. Your tips are completely anonymous and the stateside operators speak several languages.
