Crime Stoppers marks special month

Crime Stoppers information

September marks the official “Crime Stoppers Month”. More than 1,000 Crime Stoppers programs around the world are holding events to kick off September as Crime Stoppers Month. Crime Stoppers now operates in 26 countries around the world, including over 350 Crime Stoppers programs throughout the United States that have a common goal to resolve crime through anonymous tips.

Crime Stoppers USA is a membership driven organization providing oversight and services to local Crime Stoppers programs.

“Our focus today remains similar to when the Crime Stoppers started in 1976, and that is to make our communities safer and more secure for everyone,” stated Kim Brandt, Van Wert County Crime Stoppers chair. “Crime Stoppers brings together businesses, citizens, law enforcement and the media to combat crime. It is important for the criminal element to know members of the community are watching and reporting their activities.”

The continued goal of Crime Stoppers is to provide an environment where people can live, work, study, and feel safe in their own communities, neighborhoods and schools.  The Crime Stoppers concept also encourages a cooperative partnership between law enforcement, the media and the community to ensure security and enhance the quality of life.

Crime Stoppers has helped solve over 946,000 crimes across the nation. By encouraging citizens to help reduce crime by combining media awareness, monetary rewards in anonymity for informants, Crime Stoppers has created an effective method for solving crimes and helping citizens take back control over their neighborhoods. Crime Stoppers has become a useful weapon in the arsenal law enforcement has to battle against crime.

Brandt reports that, since Van Wert County Crime Stoppers was launched 25 years ago, 560 tips have been responsible for resolving numerous crimes, including armed robbery, arson, aggravated burglary, burglary, auto theft, forgery, theft, finding fugitives and miscellaneous other crimes that include recovered narcotics and property valued at $77,689.60. The Crime Stoppers Board recently voted to increase the reward amount for information leading to the arrest of persons involved in a March home invasion and attempted murder case.

“The police representatives and volunteers who help run our Crime Stoppers program are dedicated individuals and have a common goal to ensure our community is safe,” said Brandt. “We are proud of our success and pleased to be part of a national organization that has achieved such phenomenal results on a collective basis.”

The local Crime Stoppers Board includes Brandt, Jim Brickner as secretary, Bill Swank as treasurer, Steve Kouts as vice chair, Jesse Michaud, Tony Alessandrini, Doug Parrish, Christina Eversole, Chuck Langdon, Ron Kreuckenberg, George Palombi, Andy Gearhart, Dale Butler, Denney Kerns and Ray Haas.

Law enforcement representatives include Van Wert Police Lt. Kurt Conn as Crime Stoppers coordinator, Lt. Leslie Brode of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Detective Klinger of the Delphos Police Department, Detective Jeff Blackmore of the Van Wert Police Department, and Detective Brian Ellerbrock of the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department.

Lt. Conn said the work of investigators must also be recognized in the success of the Crime Stoppers program.

Conn said the work and effort that detectives and other police officers put into investigating various tips is crucial to ensuring that cases are solved and those responsible for crime are brought to justice.

“It is important for people to call tips to Crime Stoppers, but it’s essential that investigators methodically follow-up on the information to gather all available evidence and identify criminals who committed the crimes,” he said.

In recognition of Crime Stoppers Month, the Van Wert County Board of Commissioners has issued a proclamation recognizing the Van Wert County Crime Stoppers program and praising those involved for their efforts to ensure another successful year.

Remember, crime doesn’t pay, but Crime Stoppers does. The anonymous tip line number is 419.238.STOP (7867). Lt. Conn is also available to speak to clubs or organizations.