Kathryn Hennigar and Jeff Cooke want to give away money.
As members of the Sea to Sky Crime Stoppers, the more cash they hand out, the more successful the crime prevention program is. Last year, the agency that fields anonymous tips received a total of 40 calls, emails and texts that resulted in police files. In 2014, the organization is looking to increase the amount of tips by 20 per cent.
To reach the target, Sea to Sky Crime Stoppers is enlisting the help of social media. Six months ago the non-profit volunteer society created a Facebook page. And for the first time in its 23-year history, the group is allowed to post photos of crime suspects and individuals who have outstanding warrants for their arrest, said Hennigar, the local RCMP police coordinator.
It takes us to the next level, she said.
Cleaning up drug use and crime from Squamish's streets is just a part in making the community more liveable, Cooke said, the organization's president. It also plays into the District of Squamish's downtown revitalization initiative, he noted.
Bicycles are the hot ticket for thieves in Squamish, replacing a position previously held by laptop computers. A mountain bike could yield up to $5,000 on the market, making high-end bikes easy money on wheels, Cooke noted.
Crime Stoppers gives people an avenue if they feel that they're safety might be threatened, Cooke said, noting no matter whether a tip is phoned in, completed online or texted in, all are 100 per cent anonymous. They can be used in court without the tipper's identity being revealed, he added.
To aid cases, information needs to be specific, said Hennigar. That may include vehicle licence plate numbers, times, dates and locations.
I think [Crime Stoppers] is a great way to keep our community safe, she said.
Tips can be called in to 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or texted via 274637 start the message with BCTIP. They can also be emailed in via www.solvecrime.ca.
