Outstanding year: Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington says more than $1.3 million recovered thanks to tips

Crime Stoppers of Guelph-Wellington said 2023 was an outstanding year for anonymous and confidential crime reporting.

The organization said it received 658 tips, which is a 39 per cent increase from the previous year. Some of the anonymous tips they received from the community also helped with multiple investigations.

Fourteen cases were cleared, which resulted in 17 arrests and 101 charges laid. 

Nearly $250,000 in personal property and cash was also recovered, while more than $1.1 million in drugs were seized for a total recovery of $1,378,272, an overall increase of 1,170 per cent over last year

Sarah Bowers-Peter, the program's co-ordinator, said the "outstanding statistics" couldn't have been made possible without the help of the community.

She said people know the tips they provide to Crime Stoppers remain anonymous and confidential. That helps people feel more comfortable giving information to police to help solve cases.

"We've reached a point where people do feel empowered and that they can make a difference in keeping their community safe and they're thinking of Crime Stoppers now because of that consistent messaging we've had in the communities," she said.

Bowers-Peter said no tip is too small and a total of $4,945 was awarded to tipsters for the information that was provided and given to investigators.

Crime Stoppers Board Chair Dave Elloway said in a release that it's exciting to see how successful the program was. 

"To see the accumulative impact is truly remarkable," he said.

"Crime Stoppers is making a difference in the City of Guelph and County of Wellington by anonymously providing information to make our community safer."