Local Crimes Stoppers described as success
At least 30 to 35 suspects and wanted criminals have been arrested every year since Crime Stoppers of Fayette County began offering rewards for tips about eight years ago, President Darryl Smith said. “We’re getting a lot of calls. It’s been highly successful,” Smith said.
Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers Coordinator Gretchen Paul, Fayette County District Attorney Nancy D. Vernon, Smith and representatives from local law enforcement will discuss the success of the Crime Stoppers program agencies at a press conference at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Uniontown station of the state police.
“We gave out four or five rewards just last month, including some from the ’10 Most Wanted’ list.” Smith said.
Tips given to Crime Stoppers led to an arrest this year in a murder case than went unsolved for 12 years, Smith said.
State police arrested a bank robber three hours after someone called Crime Stoppers with information about the suspect, Smith said, adding that the tipster received a $500 reward.
Photos and information about wanted people that have been posted on the Herald-Standard’s Web site since April have resulted in many arrests.
“In a short period of time, it’s been very successful,” Smith said.
The “10 Most Wanted” and outstanding warrant lists are provided by state police and posted on the Web site.
Crime Stoppers’ tip lines – 1-877-834-TIP (8477) and 724-437-TIPS – are posted with the “10 Most Wanted” list and the state police phone number, 724-439-7111, is posted with the outstanding warrant list.
Cash rewards of as much as $1,000 are provided for information that leads to the arrest of criminals or the capture of wanted persons.
Calls also can be made anonymously.
Smith said raising money for the rewards is the primary duty of Crime Stoppers’ civilian board of directors.
He said Smithfield State Bank recently donated $1,000 to the reward fund and Giant Eagle on Route 51 in North Union Township is hosting a cookout this weekend to raise money for Crime Stoppers.
Board members will cook hamburgers and hot dogs outside of the store from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
A Crime Stoppers donation barrel will be placed inside the store for the rest of the month, Smith said.
“We’re fortunate to have Crime Stoppers in Fayette County. I think it’s very important. There are a lot of crooks out there. It’s a positive for the community,” Smith said.