Media Release
Crime Stoppers programs around the world have been responsible for recovering property and seizing drugs totaling more than $7 billion.
Accumulative figures from the more than 1,200 programs around the world show tips to Crime Stoppers have been responsible for the seizure of $5,491,835,498 in illicit drugs and the recovery of $1,529,614,961 in stolen property.
“In total that’s $7,023,258,959,” said Steve Walrath of Beloit, Wisconsin, president of Crime Stoppers International. “This is an astronomical figure and demonstrates the impact of Crime Stoppers.”
In the past month Crime Stoppers programs have seized $36,137,477 in illicit drugs and recovered $3,449,790 in stolen property. The accumulative figures date from 1976 when the first Crime Stoppers program was established in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Walrath said Crime Stoppers, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2006, is now the largest crime fighting organization in the world with programs operating in some 20 countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada and the United States.
“Crime Stoppers has had a tremendous impact through the years combating crime and keeping our streets safe, but we are facing even greater challenges in the future,” he said. “A number of Crime Stoppers programs are working with intelligence agencies and are capable of taking tips related to potential terrorist activity.”
Walrath said up to now Crime Stoppers has solicited tips to help solve crimes, and has now evolved into taking information from people to prevent criminal acts by terrorists.
“We have to consider all threats that society is facing today from criminals, including terrorists, and allow Crime Stoppers to continue as the global leader in anonymous information gathering,” Walrath said. “Working in partnership with law enforcement and the community at large, is not only our best defense, but will be the proactive solution to a safe society.”
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