Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers’ well-known anonymous tips line has been a success for 40 years. Every year, thousands of people call in details about crimes, or suspected crimes, so police can investigate.
But too often, some people who think they might have useful information hesitate. Some don’t want to be identified or worry they might be pulled into a police investigation and
have to go to court. Or they might fear reprisal. “Some people who spot something unusual decide ‘oh, there’s probably a good explanation, so I won’t call’, or they decide to leave it to someone else to report it,” says Linda Annis, Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers. “Others might assume there’s no use in calling the police since they won’t be able to solve some
crimes like bike theft.” “But our advice is not to hesitate. Don’t think twice,” says Annis. “If you have information, please call Crime Stoppers ANONYMOUSLY and let our trained call
handlers go through the information. If you see anything that looks suspicious, don’t brush it off. Call it in right away. You may be doing a lot of good.” Even if your tip doesn’t solve a crime, it still might provide police with useful background information on what’s going on, or locations where a certain kind of crime is happening. That kind of intelligence often helps police determine how best to deploy their valuable resources to keep us all safe.
Crime Stoppers accepts tips on any crime 24/7 at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) in 115 languages including Punjabi, Hindi, Mandarin and Cantonese. You can also report a tip on Crime Stoppers’ mobile “P3” phone app, or online at solvecrime.ca. There is also a link for reporting tips on the Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers Facebook page.
