Pubdate: Tue,  6 Jun 2000
Source: Penticton Herald (Canada)
Copyright: 2000 - Horizon Operations (B.C.) Ltd.
Contact:  101-186 Naniamo Ave. West Penticton, B.C., Canada, V2A 1N4
Fax: 1-250-492-2403
Website: http://www.ok.bc.ca/PH/index.htm

CRIME STOPPERS ADDS ANOTHER CHAPTER TO LOCAL SUCCESS STORY

The Crime Stoppers program both locally and around the province continues 
to be success story - solving thousands of crimes and recovering millions 
of dollars in stolen property.

 From its inception in Jan. 1992 to April 2000, the local South Okanagan 
Similkameen Crime Stoppers has received 1748 tips.

"There have been 355 cases cleared because of those tips and it's resulted 
in 407 arrests," said Al Sismey of Penticton, president of the B.C. Crime 
Stoppers Advisory Board.

He said the tips have also resulted in the recovery of $1.1 million worth 
of stolen property and drugs valued at $3.7 million.

"And we've given out approximately $17,000 in awards for tips provided," 
said Sismey.

The local program covers the area from Summerland and Naramata to Osoyoos 
and west to Princeton, with occasional tips coming in from Midway.

"It's been very successful and is supported by the communities which 
provide donations for the rewards. It's working very well," said Sismey.

The first Crime Stoppers programs in B.C. started in Vancouver and Victoria 
in the early 1980's and have continued to expand to the current total of 37 
community programs around the province.

Since the beginning, community boards - working with their media partners, 
police and other investigators - have helped clear almost 19,000 B.C. 
cases, arrest over 13,000 suspects, recover over $40 million in stolen 
property and over $200 million in illegal drugs.

"And if you go even further to the national and international stats, it's 
mind-boggling really," Sismey said. He said there are in excess of 1,000 
programs worldwide, with some even located in communist countries.

Crimestoppers accepts tips at 1-800-222-TIPS.
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