By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Board members of Crime Stoppers of Lewis County have voted unanimously to cease operations.
While the program has seen a lot of success during its 21 years of existence, the large downturn in the number of tips coming in and the few cases they now help law enforcement solve, shows times have changed, the board said in a news release this afternoon. Board insurance takes up more and more of the budget coming from fundraisers, they said.
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“The board would like to thank all those individuals, social organizations and businesses that supported Crime Stoppers through the years,” the news release stated. “Without this generous support, Crime Stoppers would not have been successful.”
Over time, tips have led to 440 cleared cases, 356 arrests and a total dollar recovery amounting to $3,296,653, according to the board.
It has paid out rewards totaling $45,975.
Many people who have reported tips have not claimed their rewards. Any outstanding rewards must be claimed by September 20, 2016.
To inquire about collecting a reward call 360- 740-2726.
Crime Stoppers is hoping to find a group to take over its child identification program, where they make a kit for parents consisting of fingerprint, photo and DNA. To inquire about that, call 360- 740-2726.
The student Crime Stoppers programs in Chehalis and Adna school districts will also end.
The board made note that social media allows for other avenues of reporting crime. They encourage schools to work with local law enforcement to adopt a new program to replace Student Crime Stoppers.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter