Pubdate: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 Source: Chatham This Week (CN ON) Copyright: 2005 Chatham This Week Contact: http://www.chathamthisweek.com/contact.php Website: http://www.chathamthisweek.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/719 Author: Brian Cleeve MOST OF C-K CRIME STOPPERS' RECOVERY IS NARCOTICS Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers recovered more than $8 million in narcotics and other property in 2004. Luce Cools, president of the group, says $7.35 million of that was in narcotics. Speaking at a media appreciation event on April 6, Cools said the local organization has been responsible for the recovery of an estimated $58 million of narcotics and stolen goods since it was founded in 1987. Cools said police, media and the public were responsible for the success of Crime Stoppers. "We advertise heavily in the schools," added Cools. The organization has a budget of $80,000, all of which comes from donations. The organization accepts anonymous tips relating to various crimes. People aren't required to testify in court and Crime Stoppers doesn't have call display or *98 capabilities. Rewards are provided by various businesses in the community but about one-third of the tipsters don't collect. A rock and bowl held in February and jail and bail, scheduled in September are among the major fund raisers. Crime Stoppers received 744 calls last year that resulted in 229 arrests and 504 charges being laid and 268 cases being cleared. To reach Crime Stoppers, call 351-8477. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager