CRIME STOPPERS TIPS TOPPED 6,800 IN 2006

Program's Success Relies On Public, Organizations: Miller

Toronto's Crime Stoppers program received 6,876 tips last year that
led to 530 arrests, 2,994 charges laid and $23.6 million in drugs seized.

Those figures were released during a news conference at police
headquarters Wednesday at which Mayor David Miller unveiled a
proclamation declaring January as Crime Stoppers Month.

"Crime Stoppers is a partnership between the police, the community and
the media, and its incredible success is due to the continued support
from residents and organizations," Miller said. "When concerned people
watch out for each other and report crimes to the appropriate
authorities, we all benefit."

Ward 28 Councillor Pam McConnell (Toronto Centre-Rosedale), who is
vice-chair of the police services board, said the crime-fighting
program offers investigators an "impressive variety and volume" of
tips.

"That saves money and it saves time. But it also builds a bond between
community and police."

Crime Stoppers co-ordinator Det. Larry Straver said tips have assisted
police in solving a variety of crimes, including shooting cases that
have led to murder and attempted murder charges.

"Sometimes it was as simple as getting a licence plate from a vehicle
fleeing a scene," he said.

Crime Stoppers tips have also resulted in the seizure of 50
guns.

"We appreciate every type of call," Straver said. "Immigration
concerns, cigarettes to minors, pirated DVDs, welfare frauds. These
are just some of the things that we get on a daily basis."

In 2005, about 7,000 tips were taken leading to 612 arrests and more
than $6 million in drugs seized.

Callers to the program's 24-hour hotline, 416-222-#### remain
anonymous and are eligible for a $2,000 reward. The program was
established in the U.S. in 1976 and came to Toronto in 1984. Since
then, 42,692 tips were taken, which have led to 8,421 arrests, 12,910
cases being cleared, 27,058 charges being laid and more than $133
million in drugs being seized.

"Those figures are extraordinary, and they're a testament to the
efforts not just of Crime Stoppers but of the people of Toronto who
phoned their information in," the mayor said. "It shows the results
that can happen when we work together in partnership."