A non-profit organization that allows residents to anonymously report crimes to policing organizations, and is a partnership between the police, media and the community is in some trouble and could use some help. Crime Stoppers started in Albuquerque about 50 years ago with a Police Detective Greg MacAleese as he was investigating the murder of Michael Carmen, a 20-year-old college student. We heard from Lloyd Stacey, Board President for London-Middlesex Crime Stoppers.
The officer got a call to a lead and within the next 72 hours, two men were arrested, but Stacey says that was just the beginning.
Crime Stoppers has more than 1200 programs across the world and they have been servicing London-Middlesex since 1987. And if you doubt, it’s always anonymous, Stacey says it absolutely is and there’s case law protecting the sanctity of Crime Stoppers tip information.
We also talked with OPP Constable Jeff Hare who echoed those comments.
As far as benefits, Stacey says there are three main benefits of the program, that it helps solve crimes, it improves the quality of life in our communities and it allows people to help solve crimes without risking their own safety. The local program though is in trouble funding wise.
They are doing their best to make the community aware that they exist but they could use a hand.
Constable Hare added this program really helps officers especially when they are in a stalemate of the investigation.
In 2024, the London-Middlesex Crime Stoppers had a successful year with over 1200 tips leading to 41 arrests. They had 50 cases cleared, 118 charges laid, $79,000 of property recovered, and $217,000 worth of cash and drugs taken off the street. Visit www.londoncrimestoppers.com to donate through the web or mail to the program.
Written by: C. Soares