Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
October 12, 2004
Crime Stoppers campaign aims to increase awareness, use
The University of Guelph is teaming up with Crime Stoppers of Wellington County to raise awareness of how students can help reduce and solve crimes on campus and in the community.
A Crime Stoppers publicity campaign will run on campus Oct. 18 to 29. “It’s important to get the word out that the resource is available,” said Breanne Walt, a U of G student and Crime Stoppers peer helper. Crime Stoppers is a non-profit community organization that encourages people to call a toll-free number, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), with information about crimes already committed, those about to occur or the whereabouts of wanted persons. Anonymity is guaranteed.
“The motto for our campaign is ‘It’s Your University, Your Community,’” said Walt. “We hope that through the campaign, students will be encouraged to use Crime Stoppers if the need arises. We want students to do whatever they can to protect their community.”
The two-week awareness campaign will include posters, information booths, banners and workshops. It is being overseen by a new campus Crime Stoppers committee chaired by Kathryn Hofer, U of G’s neighbourhood relations co-ordinator, who also sits on the Crime Stoppers of Wellington County’s parent board. Members of the campus committee include Walt, other U of G students, staff, and representatives from the city and county.
Ontario Provincial Police Det. Peter McEachern, co-ordinator of Crime Stoppers of Wellington County, said he actively sought out help from the university in organizing a campus program. “The University really is its own community, and we wanted to get a consistent message about Crime Stoppers out on campus. It’s always difficult to convince the general public that the program is anonymous, but we don’t have call display and you don’t have to give your name. The more information that is out there about how safe and practical the program is, the more likely students are to use it with confidence.”
Crime Stoppers phones are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If information provided to Crime Stoppers leads to an arrest, callers are eligible to receive a cash award. For more information on the program or awareness campaign, call Walt at 824-4120, Ext. 54352.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982.
