Crime Stoppers of York Region joins its counterparts around the world is celebrating January as International Crime Stoppers Month.

Crime Stoppers is supported by all levels of government. Prime Minister of Canada, Rt. Honorable Stephen Harper stated, “Crime Stoppers has a proven track record in helping to keep communities safe both in Canada an around the world.” Ontario’s Premier Dalton McGuinty said, “By fostering vigilance at the local level, Crime Stoppers is helping Ontarians’ live, work and raise families with a society that is prosperous, harmonious and safe.”

Crime Stoppers of York Region was founded in 1986 and has seen success over the past 21 years. Since its inception, over 2,240 arrests have been made and 5,256 charges laid. Over 97 million dollars worth of property recovered and illegal drugs have been seized.

York Regional Police Chief Armand LaBarge acknowledges and supports January as International Crime Stoppers Month “Crime Stoppers of York Region has been an integral partner in the fight against crime in this region for more than twenty years. I commend those who have been part of that; from the Board of Directors and volunteers who give of their time to promote and ensure the program’s success, to the dedicated officers investigating the anonymous leads. This program continues to be effective because of the concerned individuals, local businesses and the media that support it and most importantly because of the citizens of York Region who phone in or go on-line to provide the tips needed to make our communities among the safest places to live.”

To celebrate this month, Crime Stoppers of York Region is holding a Student Crime Stoppers’ launch on Friday, January 18th, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Region of York Headquarters located at 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket.

Dan Timmins, Chair of the Crime Stoppers of York Region explains that the Board’s goal is to enhance the Crime Stoppers program to a new level within all the secondary schools throughout the Region. Crime Stoppers wishes to demonstrate crime concerns in the school environment and acquaint delegates with the Crime Stoppers concept as a method of improving both safety and security.


Chief LaBarge will lead a group of dignitaries at the opening ceremonies and deliver the keynote address. Others scheduled to attend are the Vice-Chair of the Police Services Board, Joe Persechini and representatives from the District Board of Education and the Catholic Board of Education.

The event will attract upwards of 200 students, teachers and police personnel from throughout the school community who have dedicated themselves to eliminating crime from the schools through the Crime Stoppers program.

Among the launch will be the release of the new Student Crime Stoppers video, opportunities for the schools to work with the police to enhance crime prevention through Crime Stoppers. The attendees will receive an overview of Crime Stoppers and assistance on implementing and running a successful program within their school. The students will be taking a leadership role in crime prevention and a proactive role in preventing crime within their schools. Our young people are Canada’s hope for the future.

Crime Stoppers is a three way partnership involving the community, the police and the media, by using an anonymous tipster system and cash rewards to help solve crimes. The Crime Stoppers is a low cost program that has been one of the most effective crime fighting tools in over 24 Countries. Crime Stoppers has proven itself as an effective and cost efficient program in combating crime around the world and its expansion to the school has been instrumental in reducing criminal activity and violence in the school community.

For further information, contact Crime Stoppers police coordinator, Cst. Darlene Fluney #896 at 896@yrp.ca or at 905-830-0303 ext 7911.