Mario Sergio, M.P.P.

News Release
August 12, 2004

McGUINTY GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS FOR CRIME STOPPERS AFTER-HOURS HOTLINE MEANS SAFER COMMUNITIES
Grant Maintains Anonymous After-hours Tip Line Across Ontario

TORONTO - The McGuinty government will continue to support the Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers after-hours hotline as part of its commitment to building strong , safe communities, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Monte Kwinter announced today.

Local M.P.P. Mario Sergio stated; "A caring society is one in which concerned citizens protect each other by regularly reporting criminal acts that have occurred within their community." Sergio added, "Cooperation between the authorities and local residents helps make the streets safer for everyone."

"Crime Stoppers, through its relationship with police services and the media, provides an indispensable service. Without Crime Stoppers and the guarantee of anonymity it provides to those who call in tips, many cases would go unsolved."

The $200,000 grant announced today will be used to:

Maintain the provincial after-hours hotline;
Support the Crime Stoppers seniors' program; and
Improve student programs in Ontario high schools.

"The after-hours answering service is an integral part of the Crime Stoppers program in Ontario," Fred Hicks, president of the OACS, said. "Based on our statistics over the past several years we have been able to determine that approximately 70 per cent of all Crime Stoppers tips are called in between 4:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. The Crime Stoppers program would be severely constrained without the services of the after-hours answering service."

Last year in Ontario, 98,659 calls were made to the Crime Stoppers after-hours line. Since 1983, when Crime Stoppers started in Ontario, tips to Crime Stoppers have helped clear 105,426 cases. Police have made 62,448 arrests, and recovered $168.5 million worth of property and $600.5 million in narcotics.

"I commend our police forces across this province for the excellent work they do," Sergio pointed out that, "tips offer invaluable assistance. If you witness a crime or have any relevant information, I urge you to contact Crime Stoppers. That call could make a real difference!

The government has been funding the After-hours line since 2001. Crime Stoppers can be reached toll-free 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-222-8477.

Contacts:

Adrian Dafoe
Minister's Office
(416) 325-4973

Mario Sergio, MPP York West
(416) 325 - 1404




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Releases Speeches Bills Statements and Questions Member Speaks Out!!	News Release August 12, 2004 McGUINTY GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS FOR CRIME STOPPERS AFTER-HOURS HOTLINE MEANS SAFER COMMUNITIES Grant Maintains Anonymous After-hours Tip Line Across Ontario TORONTO - The McGuinty government will continue to support the Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers after-hours hotline as part of its commitment to building strong , safe communities, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Monte Kwinter announced today. Local M.P.P. Mario Sergio stated; "A caring society is one in which concerned citizens protect each other by regularly reporting criminal acts that have occurred within their community." Sergio added, "Cooperation between the authorities and local residents helps make the streets safer for everyone." "Crime Stoppers, through its relationship with police services and the media, provides an indispensable service. Without Crime Stoppers and the guarantee of anonymity it provides to those who call in tips, many cases would go unsolved." The $200,000 grant announced today will be used to: Maintain the provincial after-hours hotline; Support the Crime Stoppers seniors' program; and Improve student programs in Ontario high schools. "The after-hours answering service is an integral part of the Crime Stoppers program in Ontario," Fred Hicks, president of the OACS, said. "Based on our statistics over the past several years we have been able to determine that approximately 70 per cent of all Crime Stoppers tips are called in between 4:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. The Crime Stoppers program would be severely constrained without the services of the after-hours answering service." Last year in Ontario, 98,659 calls were made to the Crime Stoppers after-hours line. Since 1983, when Crime Stoppers started in Ontario, tips to Crime Stoppers have helped clear 105,426 cases. Police have made 62,448 arrests, and recovered $168.5 million worth of property and $600.5 million in narcotics. "I commend our police forces across this province for the excellent work they do," Sergio pointed out that, "tips offer invaluable assistance. If you witness a crime or have any relevant information, I urge you to contact Crime Stoppers. That call could make a real difference! The government has been funding the After-hours line since 2001. Crime Stoppers can be reached toll-free 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-222-8477. Contacts: Adrian Dafoe Minister's Office (416) 325-4973 Mario Sergio, MPP York West (416) 325 - 1404