Pubdate: Mon, 02 Feb 2004
Source: Guardian, The (CN PI)
Copyright: 2004 The Guardian, Charlottetown Guardian Group Incorporated
Contact:  http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/174
Author:  Doug Gallant

P.E.I. CRIME STOPPERS PROGRAM ACHIEVING MANY POSITIVE RESULTS

In the 14 years since the Crime Stoppers program was introduced to Prince 
Edward Island there has been one overriding goal - to make homes and 
communities across the province safe places to live.

All indications are that it's working.

Rona Brown, president of P.E.I. Crime Stoppers, says the program has 
achieved some positive results.

"Crime Stoppers has become a useful weapon in the battle against crime," 
Brown said. "Since the program was launched here in 1989, tips have been 
responsible for solving numerous crimes against persons, crimes against 
property and crimes involving the cultivation, importation and sale of 
illegal drugs."

Brown said the volunteers who help run the P.E.I. program are dedicated 
individuals with a common goal to ensure the community is safe.

"We are proud of our success and pleased to be part of an international 
organization that has achieved such phenomenal results on a collective 
basis," she said. The numbers in P.E.I. are impressive.

More than $1.2 million worth of illegal drugs have been seized as the 
result of tips received by Crime Stoppers. The program has also been 
instrumental in the recovery of more than $600,000 worth of stolen property.

Paul Stetson, the retired RCMP staff sergeant who serves as co-ordinator of 
P.E.I. Crime Stoppers, says there's no question the program has helped to 
combat crime in the province.

In the past 12 months, for example, tips received through Crime Stoppers 
have resulted in three significant drug busts in which major 
marijuana-growing operations were shut down.

He says Crime Stoppers was also instrumental in the arrest of individuals 
on charges ranging from aggravated assault, fraud and weapons possession to 
break, enter and theft, possession of stolen goods, vandalism and 
violations of the Trails Act.

Stetson says the media is a strong partner for the organization.

"The continued participation of the media reflects on our success and has 
raised Crime Stoppers profile on the Island. The message is getting out and 
our goal is to increase public awareness and operate the Crime Stoppers 
program to the maximum."

Stetson said partnerships, such as the one initiated late last year with 
TIAPEI (Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I.), enhance the program's 
ability to achieve its goal of safe homes, safe communities.

Partnerships have figured prominently in the efforts of P.E.I. Crime 
Stoppers to prevent crime for several years.

Stetson says Crime Stoppers has entered into productive partnerships with a 
variety of different organizations since its inception. It started with the 
Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

It has also partnered with the O'Leary Wildlife Federation, the P.E.I. 
Shellfishers Association, Softshell fishermen, the Construction Association 
of P.E.I., Rails to Trails and now TIAPEI.

These partnerships are aimed primarily at reducing theft and vandalism.

"This is another way for most of these organizations to prevent loss. For 
Fisheries and Oceans, for example, the partnership was entered into to 
crack down on a range of illegal activities. With the P.E.I. Fishermen's 
Association, the goal was to cut down on poaching as well as acts of 
vandalism involving boats and gear.

"With the Construction Association the goal was to reduce the number of 
incidents involving the theft of building materials and tools from 
construction sites." Stetson said the posting of signs bearing the Crime 
Stoppers logo has been enough in some instances to make would-be criminals 
think twice before committing a crime.

"Just the thought that somebody might actually be watching them break the 
law, somebody who could contact police anonymously and turn them in makes 
some people so nervous, it deters them from committing that crime," he said.

Brown and Stetson are optimistic the Crime Stoppers program will continue 
to have a positive impact on P.E.I., with the support of the public and the 
co-operation of its partners in the police and the media.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom