Supporting Crime Stoppers

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

South Okanagan Similkameen Crime Stoppers needs members, according to regional co-ordinator Rick Dellebuur.

Dellebuur said Tuesday that in 1992, Crime Stoppers in the area had 52 members and today has about eight working to keep services available in the South Okanagan.

"We need people that are in the community that are willing to step forward," he said.

Crime Stoppers in this area was started as a result of the 1991 summer riots in Penticton to give people the opportunity to help police solve crime by reporting anonymously .

Since its inception, it has helped to arrest 862 criminals, helped solve 987 cases and recovered millions of dollars worth of drugs and property in the South Okanagan Similkameen.

With the recent spike in property crime throughout the valley, it also provides a valuable venue where people can remain anonymous to provide information on these crimes, persons of interest and fugitives.

Much of this information would not be available to police in a timely manner if not for the anonymity.

It also does not get any government funding or grants and relies on community support and fund raising to generate funds for operating and paying rewards.

At this time it is primarily looking for individuals that can assist with promoting the organization in their communities and fund raising.

It meets monthly, except for July and August, on the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Lakeside resort meeting room.

Crime Stoppers is also gearing up for it big fund raiser, a golf tournament on Saturday, June 4, at the Penticton Golf and Country Club.

Those interested in becoming members are asked to call Dellebuur at 250-490-2374 or Nick Yeoman at 778-516-4322.