Mark Holik, Provincial Director of Alberta Crime Stoppers, May 26, 2022. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Alberta funding Crime Stoppers for the first time

May 26, 2022 | 10:44 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Crime Stoppers has been operating in Alberta for 40 years, but for the first time, it has secured stable funding.

The Government of Alberta announced $850,000 over the next three years for the organization.

Justice Minister Tyler Shandro says Crime Stoppers’ anonymous crime tip line has proven to be crucial in keeping communities safe.

“Successful crime prevention requires the involvement of communities, and Crime Stoppers has done tremendous work encouraging citizens to take an active role in preventing and reporting crime. This funding will ensure they can continue helping to keep Alberta’s neighbourhoods safe,” says Shandro.

Since Crime Stoppers’ inception in 1982, the organization has received over 280,000 tips resulting in over 17,000 arrests nationally, resulting in the seizure of more than $40 million in drugs cash, firearms, and stolen property.

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In 2020 alone, they over 18,000 tips that lead to 400 arrests, 1,724 charges being laid, and the recovery and seizure of more than $4.3 million in cash, drugs, and stolen property.

Crime Stoppers operates chapters in Southern Alberta, Calgary, Central Alberta, and one that encompasses Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

Until now, the non-profit has had to rely entirely on donations and fundraising events to finance its operations.

Provincial Director for Alberta Crime Stoppers Mark Holik thanked the provincial government for ensuring they can rely on stable funding.

“For the past 40 years, Crime Stoppers has played an integral role assisting law enforcement in solving and preventing crime. We are grateful to the Government of Alberta for their support so that we can continue to help our police partners reduce crime and make our communities safer.”

Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477, online at p3tips.ca, or by using the p3tips app.