Crime Stoppers Alberta launches new rural sign campaign

Crime Stoppers Alberta has launched a new rural sign campaign, aimed at increasing awareness and encouraging residents to anonymously report crimes. 

Anonymous tips for crimes can be reported directly to Crime Stoppers Alberta. 

“Crime Stoppers will work with the rural jurisdictions and Indigenous communities to place signs in high traffic locations informing the public of how to contact Crime Stoppers,” according to information from RCMP.  

S/Sgt. Dennis Silliker, detachment commander at the St. Paul RCMP, believes that providing more opportunities for increased communication between the RCMP and the public is essential. 

“If we don’t know what’s happening in those communities, there’s no way that we can action priorities,” he said. 

But some people might be afraid of retaliation if they report crime, and Silliker explained the anonymity offered by Crime Stoppers may encourage residents to come forward with information. 

“It’s really important to communicate to rural [residents] . . . that the information you provide [through Crime Stoppers] is protected,” he added. “It does facilitate us to follow up with investigations.” 

Crime Stoppers takes both phone and online reports, or residents can also utilize the Crime Stoppers app, according to Silliker. Crime Stoppers can be reached at: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

“This initiative builds on the proud legacy of Crime Stoppers in Alberta,” said Alberta Crime Stoppers Chair Mark Holik, through an announcement made by RCMP last week. 

“Programs like this empower residents to take an active role in crime prevention, ensuring that ‘what you see,’ ‘what you hear’ and ‘what you know’ is shared through anonymous tips. This information helps our police partners solve crime, keeping our communities safe,” he explained. 

Silliker also reminds the public to call 911 for immediate emergencies.  

“If there is an ongoing crime, always call 911.”