Fewer cases solved, but tips up for Regina Crime Stoppers

While more people are calling Regina Crime Stoppers, fewer crimes were solved in 2017.

But police say that doesn’t mean things are going south.

Regina Crime Stoppers received a record 1,192 tips in 2017, up from 1,088 the year before. Craig Perrault, the organization’s vice-president, said one of the keys to its success has been an increased presence on social media.

“We’ve grown our Facebook followers dramatically. Any type of video we put up is easily shared and we really want that message to get out to the community that they can make a difference,” Perrault said.

He noted Crime Stoppers has work with new Canadians to let them know about the organization and how easy it is to submit a tip.

“When they get here we want them to feel connected as a community right away.”

While tips are up, there has been a decrease in the amount of arrests made in 2017 compared to 2016 – from 17 to 11 – and the number of cases cleared – 69 to 23.

The total amount of reward money given for successful tips also dropped from $9,465 to $4,675.

Regina police Chief Evan Bray said the number of solved cases doesn’t always indicate the impact a call to Crime Stoppers has on the community.

“If we’re able to make an arrest that prevents a serious assault, or even a murder, then it’s tough to put a value on that,” Bray said.

Bray estimates around 50 per cent of rewards weren’t claimed in 2017, showing it’s not all about the money for those who call.

Throughout the year, a total of $190,800 in drugs and property was recovered, up from $30,500 the year before.