Crime Stoppers now in The ‘Ville

St. Martinville – The Crime Stoppers program has proven an effective system to involve regular citizens in law enforcement. Now, a new chapter of the organization will provide St. Martinville residents an avenue to help reduce crime.
The national Crime Stoppers organization was first instituted in Albuquerque, N.M., in 1976. It was conceived by law enforcement officials as a way to combat fear and apathy on the part of local residents in the face of an increasing crime problem. The organization is now a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-governmental entity.
Fees collected by local courts are used to finance rewards for arrests and convictions. Witnesses remain anonymous through the issuance of code numbers. Even the police never know the names of Crime Stoppers informants.
As its first target, St. Martinville Crime Stoppers is trying to solve a recent spate of property damage caused by vandals shooting at house, business and vehicle windows with BB or pellet guns.
Police Chief Calder Hebert writes, “This irresponsible behavior has caused our neighbors to spend their hard-earned money on repairs and has them uncomfortable in their own homes, fearing when the next incident will occur.”
Call Crime Stoppers with information about this or criminal activity. The number is 441-3030.