Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers were busy in 2019, with nearly all metrics rising when compared with the previous year.
Crime Stoppers Spokesperson Dave Bakker says it’s not about an increase in crime so much as an increase in support from the public.
“Any increase in the numbers just reaffirms the citizens of Chatham-Kent continue to support our program,” Bakker says. “Every year we see an increase in phone calls, that means people are responding to our message our media partners are helping us get out and they’re calling us back and helping police solve crime in our community.”
All told 950 calls were logged, 117 arrests were made based on tips, and $2.8-million in drugs and property seized.
Social media and texting has been a huge tool for Crime Stoppers, with online reporting accounting for more than 50% of the tips coming in.
One area Bakker says he’d like to see more activity is reporting suspected human trafficking, which is on the rise across the province.
