About Us

Our program is based on the simple principle that for every crime committed, someone, other than the criminal, has information that could help solve it.

As a partnership of the public, the police and the media, we provide a means for people to anonymously provide information related to all kinds of criminal activity, from retail theft and possession of illegal substances, to human trafficking, homicides and missing persons cases.

Since our local inception in 1988, we have received more than 25,000 tips, leading to major arrests, drug seizures and recovered property throughout the Nipissing and Parry Sound Districts.

Beyond our qualitative impact, our mere presence has been shown to work as a form of prevention when criminals realize their activities may be reported.

There are approximately 37 Crime Stoppers programs in Ontario, 87 in Canada, and 1,700 chapters worldwide. By bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community, Crime Stoppers programs have successfully solved numerous crimes, brought justice to countless victims, and contributed to an improved quality of life for many communities around the globe.

Near North Crime Stoppers is a small team made up of a volunteer Board of Directors, as well as one Tip Coordinator and an Executive Director. As a not-for-profit, registered charitable organization, we rely on donations in order to maintain our day-to-day operations, educate citizens, and promote our program.

Crime Stoppers was the brainchild of Canadian-born Greg MacAleese, a Detective with the Albuquerque Police Department in New Mexico. In 1976, Greg had run out of leads in a homicide investigation and out of frustration had appealed to the public for assistance. He went so far as to produce the first crime re-enactment, which aired on local television, and was also made available for radio and the press. Anyone providing information regarding this murder was to be eligible for a cash reward.

• Within hours of the broadcast, an individual called in valuable information that resulted in the arrest and conviction of two suspects who were sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole.

The growth has been dramatic, with Crime Stoppers programs implemented in more than 1,200 communities worldwide.

In November 1982, Calgary became the first Canadian city to start the program, followed by Hamilton in 1983.

Near North Crime Stoppers, covering the districts of Nipissing and Parry Sound, joined the program in 1988.

Since its inception, Near North Crime Stoppers has led to:

• 25,957 tips received
• 1,881 arrests made
• 298,673 rewards approved
• $58,142,993 of drugs seized
• $4.77 million in property and cash recovered

and growing!