CRIME STOPPERS HAS RECORD MONTH

Toronto's Crime Stoppers program set a new record last month, generating 603
tips and paying three $1,000 rewards for information leading to arrests in
high-profile cases.

The rewards were paid after tips led to arrests in a murder, a major
marijuana grow operation and a case involving the sexual abuse of a
four-year-old handicapped girl.

Tips about the grow operation resulted in six arrests and police identifying
four houses where marijuana was grown. Investigators estimate the value of
the marijuana seized from the homes to be $2.3 million.

"A lot more crime is getting solved because of the good quality tips we're
getting," said Toronto Crime Stoppers co-ordinator Det. Jeff Zammit. "The
message is getting out there for people to call us."

PROGRAM OFFERS CASH

The program allows callers to anonymously report information about a crime
by calling a 24-hour hotline, 416-222-TIPS. Callers are also eligible for a
cash reward.

Last year, the program received 4,113 tips resulting in 216 arrests and 703
charges being laid.

So far this year, tips to the program have led to 97 arrests, the recovery
of $321,870 in stolen property and the seizure of drugs with a value of more
than $3.4 million.

Zammit said the media plays "a huge role in promoting" the program. "They
are a partner in Crime Stoppers."

Since the program was launched in July 1984, tips have led to 7,099 arrests,
$19.4 million in property being recovered and the seizure of $51.7 million
in drugs.