By: Michael Bennett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Ridgetown Independent News
Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers is introducing a significant change to its communications approach to solicit anonymous public input about criminal activity.
A new CK Crime Stoppers Community Update will replace the traditional Crime of the Week reporting format, which runs online and in local media, including The Ridgetown Independent News.
Crime Stoppers will continue to issue media releases to local media to seek assistance on specific crimes, but not on the same weekly basis.
“While ‘Crime of the Week’ is a catchy name, it limits our ability to share timely and relevant information,” said Erica McIntosh, CK Crime Stoppers Program Coordinator. “The new Community Update will allow us to continue requesting assistance with investigations while also sharing education, prevention messaging and important community updates.”
“In today’s 24-hour news environment, it’s important that Crime Stoppers remains current and responsive,” McIntosh said.
Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers is also taking a new direction with initiatives designed to educate, engage and empower residents.
These efforts will include public safety events, fundraisers and targeted education and awareness campaigns.
“We have identified several priority topics that directly impact our community, including auto theft mitigation, illegal firearms awareness, and break and enter prevention,” said McIntosh. “We will be running focused campaigns on each of these issues throughout the year to provide practical information that people can use to reduce risk and protect themselves.”
The local Chatham-Kent group kicked off National Crime Stoppers Awareness Month with a flag-raising ceremony at the Civic Centre on Jan. 2.
Chatham-Kent Police and municipal officials joined board members and volunteers of the CK Crime Stoppers branch in raising its flag.
This year’s national theme is ‘Safe Streets, Strong Communities – Together We Can Stop Crime.’
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Crime Stoppers, which started in 1976 in Albuquerque, N.M. and has evolved into a worldwide crime-fighting tool.
Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers’ branch was launched in 1987 by Cst. Dennis Poole, starting with a phone and answering machine in an old janitor’s closet in the Chatham Police station. Poole would later serve as CKPS Chief of Police from 2009 until his retirement in 2014.
The local Crime Stoppers branch has evolved from its humble beginnings to accept tips electronically, including by email to ckcrime@chatham-kent.ca, online at www.crime-stoppers.on.ca, and via its Facebook page. Calls can still be made by phone to 519-351-8477 or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) via the message service.
“Crime Stoppers is 100 per cent anonymous; we’ll never ask you for your name or phone number,” stated McIntosh.
She added that tipsters never have to attend the police station or testify in court. Each person who provides an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers is assigned an identification number for the incident. If their tip helps solve a crime and the reward is approved by the board, arrangements are made to deliver the cash.
Since its inception, Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers has received an estimated 20,000 anonymous tips, which played a vital role in assisting police investigations and solving crimes across the region, ranging from property-related offences to more serious criminal activity.
While the complete list of statistics for 2025 will be made available later this month, Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers reported that 501 tips had been forwarded by members of the public by the midway point of December.
Since its inception 39 years ago, Crime Stoppers has received 31,035 tips from the public, leading to $121,906 in reward money being distributed.
Crime Stoppers also reported that $105,009,360 in drugs have been seized, $10,582,451 in property recovered, and 341 weapons have been confiscated since 1987.
“Each of these crimes touches people either directly or indirectly at some point during the year,” McIntosh said. “With a strong focus on prevention, our goal is to give people the tools and knowledge they need to stay safe, while also reminding them that they can report crime anonymously without fear of retaliation.”
At the core of Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers is a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors who work with law enforcement, community partners and volunteers to support initiatives that encourage anonymous tips, prevent Crime and keep communities safe.
Funding for Crime Stoppers comes from community fundraising, as the organization does not receive any government funding.
One of the organization’s largest annual fundraisers is the Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers Annual Golf Tournament, which this year marks its third annual event at Maple City Country Club on Saturday, June 20, with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. The early-bird cost per fou some is $700 for the scramble format, which includes 18 holes, a cart, snacks, dinner, and prizes. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are available online at www.ckcrimestoppers.ca
Funds raised at the tournament are used to support key programs and initiatives, including the anonymous tips-for-cash program, Children’s Safety Expo and a wide range of educational engagements with local community groups.
To learn more about Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers, submit an anonymous tip, or stay informed about upcoming campaigns and events, visit www.ckcrimestoppers.ca or follow @CKCrimeStoppers on social media.
