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Thursday, January 14, 2016 - The IFP - H alton H ills - w w w .theifp.ca Page 5SALES SERVICE INSTALLATIONSESA #7003060 DEKEReLeCTRIC ltd. 905-702-0515 www.dekerelectric.ca D E E R K Congratulations Nick and Amanda on the birth of your first child Timothy James Opper Born Jan 3rd, 2016 6 pounds 2 ounces FromDerek, Lana and all your friends at DEKER eLeCTRIC SINCLAIR DENTISTRY ON SINCLAIR DENTISTRY ON Giving you something to smile about Family and Cosmetic Dentistry In Your Community Since 1980 Convenient Evening Appointments New Patients Always Welcome Dental Emergencies Seen Promptly 99 Sinclair Ave., Suite 306 Georgetown, ON L7G 5G1 www.dentistryonsinclair.comwww.dentistryonsinclair.com www.facebook.com/dentistryonsinclairLike us on Facebook NEWS Crime Stoppers of Halton held an open house Monday at Halton Region headquarters to both celebrate its partners and what it is all about. Organizers noted 2015 was a busy as tips to the charity led to 28 arrests, saw $83,936 in stolen property recovered, and led to the seizure of ille- gal drugs with a street value of $21,527. "Crime Stoppers is a partnership that is com- prised of the Crime Stoppers program, the com- munity at-large, the police service and the media, and it helps keep Halton the safest regional mu- nicipality in Canada in which to live and work," said Norm Bellefontaine, Crime Stoppers chair. "Crime Stoppers gives people a means of re- porting tips on unsolved crimes with guaranteed anonymity. Tipsters do not identify themselves to Crime Stoppers and never have to appear in court." Bellefontaine noted that while the organiza- tion is independent from the police, it is an im- portant and cost-effective tool for law enforce- ment because it can help significantly shorten police investigations and solve crimes that might otherwise go unsolved. Crime Stoppers partners honoured during the evening included Halton Region, whose chair, Gary Carr, spoke about the program and especial- ly the need for everyone to do their part to help keep Halton a safe community. "We have the finest people working in our po- lice services, but we cannot do it without the com- munity. You are an integral part of this," said Carr. "If we want to remain the safest, if we want to attract businesses, if we want to make this a good place to raise kids and grandkids, you need to continue to do the work you are doing," he told Crime Stoppers officials. Halton Police Chief Stephen Tanner was rec- ognized for the liaison between police and Crime Stoppers and underlined the importance of Crime Stoppers' role in police work. "Crime Stoppers, quite simply, is a critical, crucial and most necessary program not only in Halton, but around the world," said Tanner. "Many, many members of the Halton police service have used Crime Stoppers' information to successfully investigate, prosecute, solve or pre- vent crime." Crime Stoppers also recognized its partners from the local business community. Oakville Chamber of Commerce President John Sawyer noted local chambers, which are involved in building strong, healthy, sustainable communities, were instrumental in bringing Crime Stoppers to Halton. "The research we've seen, shows the No. 1 is- sue in building a community is safety. That's what people want. They want to feel safe and secure in their homes," said Sawyer. "Crime is a very important concern for the business community. Businesses are not im- mune to crime. Everything from shoplifting to armed robbery, fraud, counterfeiting of currency and products, all has a negative effect on the busi- ness community." Sawyer noted even crimes like vandalism and graffiti could shape a person's perception that an area is unsafe. Places viewed as unsafe are not welcoming environments for customers and can impact business, he said. "We understand there is a real need for busi- nesses to work with Crime Stoppers, and the po- lice, to not only deal with white-collar crime and criminal activity targeting commercial enterpris- es, but businesses also need to be aware of new trends in crime in our increasingly computerized and highly-technical world." Ministry of Natural Resources Provincial Enforcement Specialist Paula Norlock said the ministry has its own tip line, but noted it can- not guarantee anonymity and directs callers to Crime Stoppers for this. She said tips that come from Crime Stoppers often turn out to be the best because those will be from someone who, for ex- ample, is in a camp with a chronic poacher and witnesses them breaking the law. Crime Stoppers of Halton also recognized its media partners during the event, including Met- roland Media Group West, along with CHCH and Cogeco. Other partners recognized included the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, OPP, Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and others. Crime Stoppers of Halton celebrates partners in keeping community safe By David Lea Metroland Media Group Crime Stoppers of Halton held an open house as January is Crime Stoppers Month. The theme is Celebrating Our Partnerships. Here, Norm Bellefontaine, chair of Crime Stoppers of Halton, is joined by some of the programs partners. Pictured, from left, are: OSPCA officer Brandon James; Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer Jotham Dumesnil; Bellefontaine; Hal- ton Regional Police Chief Stephen Tanner; John Sawyer, Oakville Chamber of Commerce president and Jamie Frye, investigator, Ontario Racing Commission. Photo by Graham Paine