There is a fresh weapon in the fight against crime in the Alberni Valley.
The RCMP announced in May the resurrection of the Alberni Valley Crime Stoppers Society.
The new group takes over where the Port Alberni Crime Stoppers program left off in 2011.
The old program generated hundreds of crime solving leads for local police, according to a press release. The new program will build on that foundation by offering cash in exchange for anonymous tips.
The society has a new board of directors who are passionate and energetic about fighting crime.
The president of the new group is Quintin Winks, a former journalist in the Alberni Valley.
“We are bringing back local leadership to this internationally renowned program,” said Winks.
“We are striving to make the Alberni Valley safer and reduce the impact of crime on the community.”
The program is global, and helps solve crimes in communities both large and small.
Its success lies in soliciting the public to provide anonymous information for a cash reward through its dedicated tip line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The program is built on a partnership between the police, the community and the media.
The new board is focused on building the program’s strength and success by raising its profile here in Port Alberni.
Tools the group will use include crime re-enactments, crime of the week radio spots, or featuring the ‘wanted’ section in local newspapers, said RCMP Cpl. Jen Allan, who is a police liaison to the new program.
The program is seeking support from the community in the form of volunteer time or financial donations.
Interested persons should contact Winks at 250-882-0760 or Cpl. Jen Allan at 250-724-8908.