Pubdate: Fri, 23 Apr 2004
Source: Scarborough Mirror, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2004 The Scarborough Mirror
Contact:  http://www.insidetoronto.ca/to/scarborough/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2198
Author: Adam Palamarchuk
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

RECORD SETTING MONTH FOR CRIME STOPPERS

Toronto's Crime Stoppers program set a new record last month, generating 
603 tips and paying three $1,000 rewards for information leading to arrests 
in high-profile cases.

The rewards were paid after tips led to arrests in a murder, a major 
marijuana grow operation and a case involving the sexual abuse of a 
four-year-old handicapped girl.

SIX ARRESTS

Tips about the grow operation resulted in six arrests and police 
identifying four houses where marijuana was grown. Investigators estimate 
the value of the marijuana seized from the homes to be $2.3 million.

"A lot more crime is getting solved because of the good quality tips we're 
getting," said Toronto Crime Stoppers co-ordinator Det. Jeff Zammit. "The 
message is getting out there for people to call us."

The program allows people to anonymously report information about a crime 
by calling a 24-hour hotline, 416-222-TIPS. Callers are also eligible for a 
cash reward.

Last year, the program received 4,113 tips resulting in 216 arrests and 703 
charges being laid.

So far this year, tips to the program have led to 97 arrests, the recovery 
of $321,870 in stolen property and the seizure of drugs with a value of 
more than $3.4 million.

Zammit said the media plays "a huge role in promoting" the program.

"They are a partner in Crime Stoppers."

Since the program was launched in July 1984, tips have led to 7,099 
arrests, $19.4 million in property being recovered and the seizure of $51.7 
million in drugs.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager