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Crime Stoppers reaches out to seniors, youths and newcomers by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 5 | Friday, February 7, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Crime Stoppers of Halton unveiled its 2014 theme Tuesday -- Breaking the Code of Silence. Halton Regional Police Det. Const. Paul Proteau, who co-ordinates the program, said it will make a special push to spread the Crime Stoppers message to students, seniors and newcomers. Proteau said many newcomers aren't aware of what Crime Stoppers is or does. "Some places where they come from, police are not that well respected or trusted. In those countries, they don't have Crime Stoppers and so they come here and they learn not only can they trust the police, but there is this anonymous way of giving information ... where they don't have to testify in court and they can collect money if they want to," said Proteau. "With Milton basically exploding with a newcomer population, it really makes sense to make them aware of Crime Stoppers." And the growing seniors' population makes it essential for those residents to be informed Crime Stoppers of Halton Co-ordinator Det. Const. Paul Proteau and Board Chair Norm Bellefontaine display this year's Crime Stoppers of Halton theme, Breaking the Code of Silence.| photo by David Lea ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) about Crime Stoppers, he said. Awareness will be boosted through a variety of means. Proteau said school visits have been very well received by local youths with tips sometimes coming in almost immediately after the presentation. To appeal to students, Proteau said, young people in the Halton police Youth in Policing Initiative created videos explaining how Crime Stoppers works. In one video, a boy witnesses a drug deal at his high school and texts a tip into Crime Stoppers. Another video depicts a girl calling Crime Stoppers after she sees a student break into a locker and steal a cell phone. "In that kind of group, there's a stigma about ratting out not just your friends, but anyone," said Norm Bellefontaine, chair of Crime Stoppers of Halton. "The idea is, if you want a safe community, not just for yourself, but for your family and friends, you can use the Crime Stoppers service and you won't be stigmatized in the same way you would be if you stepped forward." He said information about Crime Stoppers will be made available to newcomers through events such as Police Day and the annual ESINC (Emergency Services Introduction for New Canadians) Day. Crime Stoppers will also work with the SALT (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) program to boost awareness. Bellefontaine said when someone witnesses criminal activity, they have a choice of helping the police by saying something or helping the criminal by remaining silent. "When they decide not to get involved, they have made a very conscious decision to vote against community safety and actually support the criminal element," he said. "It's a very distinct decision and I don't think they realize that." Proteau said Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display to ensure the anonymity of tipsters. A sender's address is scrambled when tips are made via the web or by texting. In a previous interview, Proteau noted defence lawyers have attempted to subpoena Crime Stoppers records or specific tips, but have failed in every instance because Canadian courts recognize the program's importance. Since its inception in 1988, tips made to Crime Stoppers of Halton have resulted in 1,049 arrests, 2,043 cases being cleared, $54,565 in rewards paid out, $2,470,037 worth of stolen property recovered, and $17,248,775 worth of drugs seized. Crime Stoppers is a community-based charity, so it needs donations to operate. They can be made by calling 905-825-6000, ext. 5139, or at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com. Tips can be made to Crime Stoppers of Halton by calling 905-825-8477 (TIPS) or visiting www. haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting `TIP201' with your message to CRIMES (274637). ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Service upgrades Pot lights Aluminum Wiring Call EDDIE ESA 7001664 Panel changes Renovations Repairs 905 845 2065 Licensed & Insured ambianceelectrician@gmail.com The Electric Fireplace Shop 6 Hurontario St. Miss. 905-278-7337 · We Carry Inserts & Mantel Packages · Wall Mount & Recess · Custom Mantels Starting from CLEARANCE ON SELECTED FLOOR MODELS INJURED? I Can Help! 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