CRIME STOPPERS CUTS INTO DRUG TRADE

Statistics show that Crime Stoppers works well to make Prince George a
safer place to live.

Since 1991 when the round-the-clock program for anonymous reporting of
crime information was established, there have been 7,307 calls
including about 500 last year.

During the past 18 years, Crime Stoppers has recovered a whopping
$19.4 million in narcotics and last year was responsible for $337,990
in drugs seized in the area.

Since 1991 Crime Stoppers has been influential in 1,345 arrests and
$2.52 million in property recovered.

Crime Stoppers president Roberta Stewart said January -- Crime
Stoppers Month-- "is the one month in the year where we make a special
effort to let everyone know about the program and the great success we
have been enjoying this past decade."

This year board members will promote the program during the Prince
George Spruce Kings games on Jan. 10 and 24, Stewart said.

The program, in partnership with the police, media and community, is a
non-profit organization providing 24-hour service on its Tips Line
(1-800-222-TIPS or online at www.crimestoppers.bc.ca).

When information leads to an arrest, rewards of up to $2,000 are
paid.

Stewart said the board of directors meets monthly to consider tips and
rewards to be given in conjunction with the guidelines.