New Crime Stoppers signs

Photo: Crime Stoppers

The North Okanagan/Shuswap Crime Stoppers program has helped police retrieve nearly $1 million in stolen goods and drugs since its inception. 

This Friday, Lumby will be the first of several municipalities across the region to unveil a new Crime Stoppers sign. 

The village has put up a large sign announcing Crime Stoppers with a telephone number and email address where people can send in tips.

"This is the first of a program of signs designed to create awareness in Crime Stoppers and help keep communities safe," explains North Okanagan / Shuswap Crime Stopper president, Mike Remington.

After several attempts to get approval from the Ministry of Transportation, Remington says they decided to approach the various municipalities throughout the North Okanagan / Shuswap region. 

"From Salmon Arm to Revelstoke all the way out to Lumby, we got quite a good reaction. We have good support from most of the municipalities."

Lumby is the first municipality to post a sign. Vernon has indicated that they will have a sign near the overpass on Highway 6 and Spallumcheen has said it will three signs up. Predator Ridge has also ordered a sign. 

"We are getting some good success from the municipalities."

In most cases, the municipalities will be footing the bill, however, Remington says in Vernon, Crime Stoppers has been asked to raise some of the funds. 

"It shows that the municipalities are behind Crime Stoppers and that further forms of advertising with the contact information when people see something it triggers them to make a phone call." 

Remington says sometimes a small tip on a small seemingly irrelevant matter can result in an arrest. 

Lumby will unveil the new Crime Stoppers sign in Lumby Friday, Dec. 7 December at 1.15 p.m. near the municipal offices in Lumby.

Crime Stoppers provides a means of reporting criminal activity with complete anonymity and up to $2,000 in reward may be paid for a successful arrest.