Grassroots crime prevention just got a wider profile.
Local electronic billboard company Signpatico Digital Advertising announced Thursday that they would be working closely with Crime Stoppers to get key information out to the public, especially the phone number that brings in so many helpful tips for police.
"This is an exciting new partnership for us" said Jack Hooper, president of the Prince George Crime Stoppers chapter. "A big part of our mandate is to create Crime Stoppers awareness in the community and these highly visible renderings of our logo and toll free number will certainly do that."
Signpatico's billboard initiative uses the latest technology on behalf of public safety. Company CEO Mike Volts said "we are so pleased to be able to support Crime Stoppers and help to keep Prince George not only a beautiful place to live but a safe one. We encourage all residents of Prince George to use this anonymous service."
Volts and Hooper called this partnership "catching criminals in the information age" to go along with the static advertising traditionally available to Crime Stoppers. Digital billboards can be quickly changed and updated, information about a kidnapped child, a robbery, or a matter of public safety can immediately be displayed. Messages can be targeted to specific geographic locations, which is especially important when time is of the essence.
"The more people who know about the Crime Stopper program, the more people report crime, the safer our community will be. The program works," said Cpl. Craig Douglass, spokesperson for the Prince George RCMP.
Anyone with information on a crime is welcome to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca, or Text-A-Tip to CRIMES using keyword "pgtips." Tips can be left anonymously and awards are offered (you need not reveal your name to collect a reward) for information that leads to arrests.
