THUNDER BAY - January marks Crime Stoppers awareness month and volunteers with the organization hope the community will continue to offer its support as it assists law enforcement agencies across the province.
A special flag raising ceremony was held at Thunder Bay city hall to mark the occasion and raise awareness for the organization that has been operating in the district since 1986.
“Due to COVID restrictions, it was very difficult to get out like we usually do,” said Thunder Bay District Crime Stoppers board chair, Shawn Peremesko. “We hope proclaiming January as Crime Stoppers month will keep the public aware that we are still operating even during COVID times and hopefully better things to come this year for us.”
Crime Stoppers allows people to provide tips related to crimes anonymously and is classified as a non-profit charity, receiving no federal or provincial funding and relying on fundraising.
Since it began operating in the Thunder Bay district in 1986, it has received 16,816 tips, resulting in 3,091 arrests made, 3,664 cases cleared, 2,557 charges, 90 fugitives caught, and more than $100,000 in reward money paid.
“Over the years since I’ve been on the board, unfortunately we’ve seen the tips increase, which is a good thing,” Peremesko said. “But we’ve also seen different crimes. It’s good we are getting the tips in, which means the public is more aware of the program and utilizing it and remaining anonymous and helping the community out.”
Peremesko added the organization is working on rolling our several plans for 2021, including hunting and poaching awareness, impaired driving and COVID guidelines awareness, animal abuse and elder abuse awareness, and anti-racism awareness.
This is the first time the Crime Stoppers flag has been raised at Thunder Bay city hall, which Peremesko said is important recognition for the board and volunteers.
“It’s great for the board and its also good for the community to show that we are here to support you guys. Crime Stoppers is a very important tool to help our law enforcement and help keep the community safe.”
“The biggest thing for being anonymous with Crime Stoppers is a lot of the tips we receive, a lot of people don’t want to be face to face with the police. It gives another means to be able to do the right thing, possibly receive a reward, depending on their tip.”
