While municipalities across Simcoe County raised the Crime Stoppers flag throughout the month of January in celebration of Crime Stoppers month, the Simcoe Dufferin Muskoka branch has fallen on hard times.
During their meeting on Jan. 14, County of Simcoe councillors received a letter from the board of directors of Crime Stoppers of Simcoe Dufferin Muskoka pleading for at least $10,000 in annual operational funding on an ongoing basis.
The organization has seen reduced funding, location and volunteer resources, according to the letter on the consent agenda for the meeting.
“Currently we have enough funds to last us less than a year, and then we would have to shut down the program, unless we can obtain sustainable funding,” wrote secretary Rick Brady in the letter.
The local Crime Stoppers branch is a non-profit charitable organization operating a civilian, volunteer-based program which allows the public to anonymously report information about crime to the organization, who then send the information to police.
The organization explains their tipsters are never required to identify themselves or attend court, and may be eligible for cash rewards.
Since becoming established on Jan. 12, 1987, the organization reports it has received 74,000 anonymous tips, leading to 5,297 arrests, 7,387 cases cleared and $446,597 in rewards approved. In 2024 alone, the organization received 1,789 tips resulting in 82 arrests, 217 charges laid, $5 million in drugs seized and $97,468 in stolen property recovered.
The discussion at the County of Simcoe follows a commitment from the District of Muskoka to provide $10,000 per year on behalf of its six member municipalities. The letter from Crime Stoppers notes the organization is looking for all partners to provide an equal share of the operational funding required, which is currently $70,000 per year total.
“They’re struggling with their finances, and in times of tough economic conditions, every community needs to look at support that can be given to Crime Stoppers,” said Clearview Deputy Mayor Paul Van Staveren during council discussion.
Tiny’s Deputy Mayor Sean Miskimins said more eyes and ears on the ground can help with crime prevention, and applauded the local program.
At the end of discussion, Penetanguishene Mayor Doug Rawson asked for a staff report on how the county, on behalf of its 16 member municipalities, could support Crime Stoppers.
“They do tremendous work. We all benefit by supporting a great outfit like this,” said Rawson.
“Crime is borderless,” said Midland Mayor Bill Gordon. “I think keeping this organization afloat is incumbent upon each of our municipalities.”
Following the meeting, County of Simcoe Warden Basil Clarke told CollingwoodToday he’s hopeful the staff report will come back to councillors for consideration this month.
“Many of the mayors are in support. We all know it’s a good system. It’s a matter of – we already passed our budget, so where do we find the money?” said Clarke.
Collingwood Mayor Yvonne Hamlin told CollingwoodToday that in speaking with representatives from Crime Stoppers Simcoe Dufferin Muskoka at Collingwood's flagraising on Jan. 30, she and other councillors in attendance encouraged them to apply for a council community grant this year to help offset costs as well.
"Perhaps they'll be eligible for a grant from Collingwood, at least, to help with their needs," she said.
- With files from Michael Owen