Law Enforcement, Crime Stoppers Team Up To Take Guns Off The Streets
In response to the rising frequency of gun-related crimes in Southwest Florida, Crime Stoppers is teaming up with area law enforcement agencies to embark on a new campaign to help take illegal weapons off the streets.
On Monday, Jan. 26th at 1 p.m., Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers will announce the Illegal Gun Bounty Program. The program will be a stepped-up effort to encourage residents to anonymously call the Crime Stoppers hotline with information on illegal firearms, or criminals illegally in possession of firearms. The goal of this effort is to have residents who are fed up with violent crimes provide information to law enforcement, through Crime Stoppers, to get illegal weapons out of our neighborhoods. This program
will provide residents with an opportunity to anonymously, and safely, relay critical information to law enforcement which will hopefully lead to the confiscation of illegal weapons, and the arrest of those using them – and put reward money in the hands of those who provide that information.
“In a time when law enforcement’s resources are stretched thin, we need to rely on the community’s help to keep our streets safe,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “No one wants to live in a neighborhood or area where shootings and violent crimes are taking place. The Illegal Gun Bounty Program is an opportunity for residents to become empowered and do their part to help law enforcement.”
A press conference kicking off the Illegal Gun Bounty Program will take place this afternoon at 1 p.m. at Fort Myers City Hall Council Chambers. Fort Myers Police Chief Doug Baker, who encouraged the development of this regional project, will be on hand to discuss the violent crime initiative, along with several other area Chiefs of Police and Sheriff’s.
Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization committed to helping law enforcement agencies solve crimes by motivating citizens to provide information on crimes, while offering financial rewards of up to $1,000 and guaranteeing anonymity. The Crime Stoppers hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org.