The local Crime Stoppers group won three awards at an annual convention in Kamloops on May 3.
The Crime Stoppers of the South Cariboo Society was presented with the Program of the Year Award, the Recovery Award and the Print Award.
Marg Sarich, president of the Crime Stoppers of the South Cariboo Society, says the Program of the Year Award is “quite prestigious.”
The group has a tip-to-recovery ratio 10 per cent higher than others around the province, she explains.
“I think we have active people in the community who know about the program and use the program, and I think our local [RCMP] detachment works very hard. If they don't solve [the cases], we wouldn't get that type of ratio.”
The Recovery Award and Print Award were awarded to the South Cariboo Society in the category for populations of 20,000 and under.
Sarich presented the Recovery Award and the Program Award to Sgt. Don McLean of the 100 Mile House RCMP, and the Print Award to the 100 Mile House Free Press in recognition of its Crime Stoppers advertising and promotion.
While she credits the RCMP for its work, Sarich is quick to mention Crime Stoppers operates “at arm's length” from the police, stressing the anonymous nature of the crime prevention program.
“The anonymity of the tipster is the most important part of how our program is effective.”
She says the group is responsible for raising money to pay tipsters for information provided to the 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
“In a lot of cases, people just want something out of their neighbourhood, and they don't care about the payout. In other cases, the people do want the money, and we have to have that money readily available.
“We appreciate the continued support of the people of the South Cariboo.”