INTERNATIONAL CRIME STOPPERS HAS LED TO THE RECOVERY OF BILLIONS

NORTH BAY - In an effort to commemorate the worldwide success of Crime
Stoppers, January is observed as Crime Stoppers Month.

On January 6, the more than 1000 programs in communities around the
world will officially launch January as Crime Stoppers Month.

Near North Crime Stoppers is reporting another successful year in its
crime solving efforts to keep our communities safe, in conjunction
with Crime Stoppers Month.

Richard Code, chair of Near North Crime Stoppers Inc., said it's
important for the public to be aware of the achievements our Crime
Stoppers program has had since being set up here in 1988.

Code said Crime Stoppers Month gives the volunteers involved in the
program the opportunity to announce the annual statistics and thank
those who have assisted to make near North Crime Stoppers Inc. such a
successful crime fighting organization in our community.

The Near North Crime Stoppers Program received 556 tips in 2003. As a
result over $416,000 in property was recovered, and over $11,000 in
illegal drugs was seized.

This past year alone resulted in over $12,000 in rewards being paid
out to tipsters.

Steve Walrath, president of Crime Stoppers International, the
volunteer organization that oversees the various non-profit Crime
Stoppers Programs worldwide, said there have been some remarkable
achievements since the first Crime Stoppers was established 28 years
ago.

Walrath said accumulative figures compiled by Crime Stoppers
International show tips have led to the arrest of more than 500,000
individuals, the recovery of some $1.4 billion in stolen property and
the seizure of drugs with a street value estimated at more than $4.4
billion.

"These are staggering figures," he said. "There is no other program
that can boast the success that Crime Stoppers has achieved in
combating crime."

Walrath said the efforts of Crime Stoppers have been recognized by
United State President George W. Bush and a number of other world
leaders, including Canada's recently retired Prime Minister Jean
Chretien and British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Bush acknowledged Crime Stoppers during a State of the Nation address
and previously during Crime Stoppers Month commended the program for
helping create safer communities and reducing crime, said Walrath.

Walrath pointed out that Giuliano (Zack) Zaccardelli, Commissioner of
the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, also praised the efforts of Crime
Stoppers saying it has significantly helped police officers combat
criminal activity.

Jean Lemieux and Shawn Fougere, coordinators for Near North Crime
Stoppers, said Crime Stoppers plays an integral role in assisting
police in solving crime and ensuring the safety, security and quality
of life is preserved in our communities.

Crime Stoppers would not receive the results it has without the
volunteer efforts of the board of directors, who donate countless
hours to raise funds for rewards and to operate the Near North Crime
Stoppers program.