TIPSTERS HELPED POLICE TAKE GUNS, DRUGS OFF THE STREETS

Hamilton Crime Stoppers had a banner year in 2006, assisting in 206
criminal arrests, seizure of $4-million worth of drugs and taking 15
guns off the street.

Those 15 guns represent almost 25 per cent of the total of 62 firearms
seized following tips to Crime Stoppers since the program came to
Hamilton in 1983.

Crime Stoppers has paid out $619,920 in rewards for anonymous
information since 1983, $40,525 of that last year.

So Hamilton Crime Stoppers staff, friends and police had much to
celebrate earlier this week at the organization's annual appreciation
night at the Sheraton.

Crime Stoppers presented its Gordon V. Torrance Award for police
contributions to the program to Constable Daryl Reid for his work to
generate tips in the assault on Drew Lee, 13, who was viciously beaten
Aug. 5 on his way home from a concert. An arrest was made in December.

The Reg Whynott award for outstanding service to Crime Stoppers of
Hamilton went to Mountain Cable.

Detective Constable Andrew Ottay received the Colin Millar award for
community involvement.

And Cable 14 was given the Bill Sturrup award, named for the legendary
CHML reporter, broadcaster and great friend of Crime Stoppers who died
Jan. 16.