With many community supporters and sponsors to thank, Crime Stoppers of St. Thomas-Aylmer has had a successful year solving cases and paying tipsters.

Ruby Morse, president of the Crime Stoppers board for the past two-and-a-half years, got involved as a way to help the community. At one time she herself experienced the other side of the program, being a victim of a crime that to date has gone unsolved. It left her with a good understanding of the program and its impact in the community. “I was a victim of crime so I definitely feel the support is needed to help solve crimes. I think being on the board is a nice way to support your community, and being able to call in anonymously keeps our program viable.”

Crime Stoppers held their annual Appreciation Dinner on Jan. 26 at the St. Thomas Seniors’ Centre and used the event to thank the many sponsors that support their program throughout the year.

Insp. Chris Herridge, who will become Chief of the St. Thomas Police Service once Darryl Pinnell retires this fall, joked the new police building will have additional wall space to hold all the awards Crime Stoppers has been receiving. He thanked board members for their passion and commitment and thanked Const. Heather White, who he called Captain Crime Stopper, for her ability to balance the program with her job responsibilities.

The board is responsible for fundraising to create a pool of money with which to pay tipsters. Morse said sponsors help keep the program afloat so they can focus on using the funds they collect to help solve crimes. “Because of our sponsors we’re able to take the funds we raise and give them directly back to the community to help those people who help us.”

With nine members currently, Morse hopes to grow the board back up to 12. Applications are available online for those who are interested.

Two fundraising events coming up include the annual Snow Golf Tournament on the main beach in Port Stanley on March 4 and a golf tournament at St. Thomas Golf and Country Club May 11. Anyone interested in either event can contact Tim Sheridan at 226-210-0263.

Do you have information on any crimes in the area? You may be eligible for a Cash Reward!

Remember: Tipsters never have to reveal their identity or testify in court.

1-800-222-TIPS