If you See Something…Say Something!
I first met my good friend Julia Kelly-Dion when my father passed away a couple of years ago, working at the funeral home we had chosen. Julia did not hesitate to give of herself, going above and beyond required service, giving myself and my family wonderful encouragement and words of wisdom. Her abundant kindness and compassion through this difficult time will never be forgotten and was the building block of our friendship. I recently reconnected with Julia as she made mention that she is a Board member of Windsor and Essex County Crime Stoppers. Julia is a “giver,” and this membership is another testimony to her passion. Her passion involves recruiting community members, like myself, because she knows it takes a community to fight crime and she wants the whole community involved!
My Mission: Kickin’ Crime One Neighborhood at a Time!
After we spoke, I realized I had misconceptions about Crime Stoppers, and I realized if I was mistaken, others could be as well. This inspired me to do my part to help educate our community about this wonderful tool to keep our neighborhoods safe. Keeping neighborhoods safe is very important to me, for all families of Windsor Essex and for business, keeping neighborhoods safe raises the sale-ability of homes for my clients. I am invested, and we are branded. Together, Windsor and Essex County Crime Stoppers and Cris Kambouris are “Kickin’ Crime One Neighborhood at a Time!” This past summer, I introduced that branding when I sponsored Windsor and Essex County Crime Stoppers in the Detroit Free Press Marathon Relay. The event is to help build awareness of their organization between borders.
Crime Stopper Facts
- Crime Stoppers is a non-profit charity which works in cooperation with all local police including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Canadian Border Service Agency, Humane Society, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and local media.
- Crime Stoppers runs solely on community donations and fundraisers. These donations and funds raised are used to reward tipsters.
- Their efforts really work! View their statistics here https://www.catchcrooks.com/stats/
Since my meeting with Julia, I have had the pleasure to meet and work with Crime Stoppers Police Coordinators Amanda Allen and Kristina Gilboe. We are planning new and exciting ways of bringing awareness to Crime Stoppers Windsor Essex in 2018! Amanda says “We welcome our community to join us in the fight against crime. There are so many innovative ideas that can be utilized if we work together.“
W.E. Crime affects all of us
Kristina defined the program perfectly as “the only non-profit charity dedicated to solving crime in our community which makes this program so very unique! The success of the program relies solely on the strong partnership between Police, Community, and Media” Windsor Essex needs this worthy and necessary organization because we cannot ignore the fact that any crime in our town or city affects the way we live. We are raising our children here and need to co-promote this organization, so it is always top of mind. I invite all Windsorites to do the same. Many people who witness crime are afraid to report it, and Crime Stoppers offers a discreet option to do just that. When you submit information via phone or web, you are given a tip number. That is how your information is tracked, never by name or phone number.
3 factors that Determine Success of the Program
- Anonymity: To ensure they receive valuable tips.
- Partnerships: To ensure that tips are investigated properly.
- Your Participation: To ensure the safety of your community
2 Methods for Submitting an Anonymous Tip to Crime Stoppers
- Call (519) 258-TIPS
- Visit catchcrooks.com “submit a tip.”
Please call the police for crimes in progress. Crime Stoppers is not a reporting process.
Mark Your Calendars for 2018 Fun-draisers!
January is Crime Stoppers Month!
February 23rd – 25th Annual Game Dinner – 5:30 pm – Colasanti’s Tropical Garden
Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased by calling Tyler at Crime Stoppers 519-255-6700 ext. 4497, email at tyler@catchcrooks.com, or online https://www.catchcrooks.com/game-dinner
May 10th – 30th Annual Bail or Jail – Devonshire Mall
A staged public arrest, trial & conviction of random Windsor Essex citizens. The convicted are placed in a makeshift jail cell at Devonshire Mall and is required to solicit donations to make bail. If you have questions or would like to participate, call Tyler at Crime Stoppers 519-255-6700 ext. 4497 or email at tyler@catchcrooks.com
August 16th – Annual Golf Tournament – 8:30 am shotgun start – Roseland Golf and Curling Club
Cost is $140 per player which includes dinner at The Keg immediately following golf
Spitfires Chuck a Puck and other community events https://www.catchcrooks.com/events-parades/
Show how much you DISLIKE crime by LIKING their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Catchcrooks/
Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE
Michael Kelly, President
Ashley Harmon, Vice President
Rachel Kwasnicki, Secretary
Glen McCourt, Treasurer
Charlie Hotham, Past President
DIRECTORS
Dianne Bako
Lina Busico
Donald Cyr
Cher Fahringer
Ernie Harris
Rene Jacques
Julia Kelly Dion
Kris McInnis
Kelly Shelson
Mohamed Susa
Amber Thibert
Cris Kambouris
History of Crime Stoppers
A young college student in Albuquerque, New Mexico was shot to death during a robbery at a gas station in July 1976. Detective Greg MacAleese was on the case. He was discouraged because Albuquerque had one of the highest per capita crime rates in the country at the time and people were afraid to come forward. MacAleese decided to produce a video re-enactment of the homicide to be released to local media, guaranteeing anonymity and a reward of his own funds. A few hours after the broadcast aired, he received a phone tip. The person recalled hearing a loud bang near the gas station and saw a car resembling a neighbour’s driving off. Two men were arrested within 72 hours and charged with the murder, along with a string of armed robberies. The detective began receiving calls about other crimes, one helping to solve a sexual assault. He realized the value of this concept and convinced the local police department to allow a group of citizens to create the first local Crime Stoppers. Detective MacAleese was rewarded many accolades over the years. Note: Prior to the inception of Crime Stoppers, Albuquerque was ranked within 20 cities having the highest per capita crime rate. Since then, the crime rate has dropped significantly, and the city is no longer ranked on this list.
