Budget backflip means SA is the only state not to locally support Crime Stoppers

Posted on 04/09/2018

A decision by government to not support the Crime Stoppers program in South Australia makes it the only state not to receive any State Government funding.

The lack of budget allocation comes despite a public commitment by the previous government and a number of subsequent briefings with the Minister for Police and his advisers, who have acknowledged the efforts of the highly effective crime-fighting program but do not follow up accolades with action.

As an independent not for profit that provides safe and anonymous means to report crime and criminal activity, Crime Stoppers SA has achieved significant results on a shoe-string budget, but a number of earmarked crime prevention initiatives across regional and metropolitan communities are now in jeopardy.

Despite solving an average of 25 crimes every week and directly contributing to a safer South Australia, the program has never received financial support from State Government for its day-to-day operations and rewards scheme.

That lack of support now forces Crime Stoppers SA to consider cost-cutting measures and other ways to fund its campaigns and operations – which also include costs associated with hosting the 1800 333 000 hotline, website, and its Rewards Program.

Since the program first began in South Australia, more than $220,000 in rewards have been paid to members of the community, more than 32,127 crimes solved, 21,141 persons apprehended and about $9.4m worth of property recovered.

In addition to winning three categories in the 2017 Crime Stoppers International media awards, the 2017 achievements for Crime Stoppers SA include:

• 19,439 calls from people wanting to share information about criminals and their illegal activities;
• 4,222 online and other reports lodged using the app or website www.crimestopperssa.com.au
• 911 apprehensions including wanted fugitives, arsonists, and suspects wanted for robberies, theft and assault;
• 1,901 charges laid for drug dealing, firearms, robbery, serious assaults and child pornography offences; and
• 79 firearms seized – including ammunition and a range of illegal accessories.
• 1266 plants and 241kg of cannabis (which equates to 86,229 street deals);
• Shut down of 12 clandestine labs and 1.3kg of amphetamine seized (equates to 16, 920 street deals);

More results can be seen at https://crimestopperssa.com.au/statistics/

About Crime Stoppers SA

Crime Stoppers began in South Australia in 1996 and since then has played a critical role in encouraging people to come forward with information that helps to solve crimes and educate on topics such as property and personal safety, vehicle theft, and cyber safety. The program encourages people to be alert and engaged participants in their community and provides a secure way for information about illegal activity and unsolved crimes to be passed to police through an independent toll-free hotline and a website that guarantees anonymity with the option of a reward. Crime Stoppers SA works with police, the media and the public to solve, reduce and prevent crime.

More about Crime Stoppers SA can be found at https://crimestopperssa.com.au

 

---

---

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ