2005 MOST SUCCESSFUL YEAR EVER FOR CRIME STOPPERS

Crime Stoppers Offers An Answer To Crime Problem

Anonymous tips made through calling Crime Stoppers provides law
enforcement and intelligence agencies with vital information which
last year alone resulted in 1,146,569 cases cleared and 612,944
arrests made worldwide. The program has been instrumental in bringing
together the community, the media and the police in the fight against
crime.

"I see Crime Stoppers growing tremendously since it started in 1976.
Especially in Canada, I see it becoming more of a foundation for crime
as opposed to the court system," said C/Const. John Smithyes, police
co-ordinator for Crime Stoppers of Simcoe-Dufferin- Muskoka.

"A lot of calls come from people who don't want cash, they just want
something done. Given the current judicial system and not wanting to
have to take the witness stand, this way they can make one phone call,
get it off their chest and it's done.

"It's a much simpler process, more effective and it ultimately saves
time and money in the court system."

Smithyes says 2005 proves that people are turning to Crime Stoppers
more last year marks the highest number of calls ever made. He said
the majority of those calls were drug-related but seizures were almost
double last year over the previous three years.

According to Smithyes, during 2002, 2003 and 2004 there were $2.5
million in seizures and during 2005 alone there were $5.7 million.

"That's strictly through Crime Stoppers tips, not including seizures
done by police. We are very happy with that," he said.

"The crimes vary really but the big ones are either drug grow
operations or trafficking. We get roughly 100 tips per month and they
depend on whatever tips people off. Things like suspicious activities
at a house, grass not cut, windows covered, lights on timers, snow
melting off the roof and the smell of the marijuana can all be
reasons," said Smithyes.

"Or sometimes the calls are a vendetta coming from people who have
been ripped off. Maybe it is someone that is struggling with drugs or
needs cash which is part of the process. People can call
1-800-222-8477 and leave anonymous tips."

Crime Stoppers is separate from the police.

As co-ordinator for Crime Stoppers, Smithyes is a liaison officer
between the callers and police services.

He takes the information and passes it on.

"Often when someone calls with information I edit it before passing it
on to ensure the call is kept confidential and anonymous," said
Smithyes, explaining sometimes a person will give too much information
about themselves.

"The police will investigate using the tip and get back to us with the
results. The format has changed somewhat in that there no longer has
to be an arrest made for and caller to collect a reward callers are
paid by whether the tip is successful of not, even if an arrest is not
made but the tip leads to further investigations. An amazing amount of
information is fed to police services around the world through Crime
Stoppers."

Smithyes says it is amazing how even and the smallest amount of
information can lead to a huge break in an investigations. He says
often times top-notch' special police units working on cases would not
be successful with out help from the public.

January is Crime Stopper month and Canada joined more than 20 other
countries around the world in the unveiling of proclamations, special
flag-raising ceremonies and presentations to governing councils and
communities which in some communities marked the doubling of awards
for tips during the month of January.

"Here in our area Crime Stoppers of Simcoe-Dufferin -Muskoka will be
celebrating Crime Stoppers Month with flag-raising ceremonies at
various municipal offices throughout the month," said Smithyes.

For information on how the Crime Stopper program works or any other
information on how the program works call the Barrie based office at
(705) 726-2237 or visit the new web site: http://www.sdm-crimestoppers.com.