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Crime Stoppers a good tool in police arsenal By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF In 2012 Crime Stoppers of Halton received 983 anonymous tips about criminal activity taking place in the region. While some tips didn't pan out others led to 21 arrests, 46 charges being laid, $29,865 worth of stolen property being recovered and $307,900 worth of illegal drugs being seized. Crime Stoppers isn't the only investigative tool in the Halton police arsenal, but it is a good one, said Detective Constable Paul Proteau. The new Crime Stoppers of Halton coordinator joined Administrative Coordinator Lauren Phillips recently to talk to the Oakville Beaver about the crime fighting organization and why it is successful. "The anonymity part is huge," said Proteau. "Some people won't come forward unless their identity is protected. The information these people provide is important and it needs to come to light or else some crimes might never be solved." When someone calls Crime Stoppers of Halton they usually talk to Phillips. She said during the call she works hard to assure the tipster that their identity will not be revealed and they are doing the right She also pointed out that for online tips the tipster's IP address is purposely scrambled so those receiving the information cannot read it. Similar precautions are in place for tips received via texting. Proteau said the anonymity of Crime Stoppers is taken so seriously that if the person receiving the call actually recognizes the individual providing the tip, the call must be transferred to an outside Crime Stoppers operator. Phillips said when compiling a report about a tip, she doesn't even list whether the caller was male or female. The anonymity of Crime Stoppers tipsters has been challenged from time to time with defence lawyers sometimes attempting to subpoena Crime Stoppers records or specific tips. In every instance, however, these efforts have been unsuccessful. "They can try to ask for it, but it is not going to happen," said Proteau. "The Canadian courts support Crime Stoppers and the anonymity of it." Once the tip is received, it is recorded on special paper, which cannot be photocopied or faxed. The information is then relayed by Proteau to whatever division of the police See Even page 5 3 · Friday, February 1, 2013 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com NIKKI WESLEY/ OAKVILLE BEAVER / @halton_photog HELPING STOP CRIME: Det.-Const. Paul Proteau and Administrative Co-ordinator for Crime Stoppers of Halton Lauren Phillips are pictured hard at work at the Crime Stoppers office inside Halton police headquarters. thing by coming forward. An examination of the phones in the Crime Stopper's office, located within Halton police headquarters on Bronte Road, confirmed Phillips' assertion that Crime Stoppers does not have Caller ID. Inside Opinion.............................................6 Artscene..........................................22 Worship...........................................24 Sports..............................................25 Classified........................................29 Full Delivery: Dell Computers, City Parent, Home Hardware, New Homes, Darshan Mangat, Ben Moss Jewellers Partial Delivery: Michaels, Bass Pro Shops For home delivery & customer service call 905-631-6095, 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington New subscriptions call 905-631-6095 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com DENTISTRY FOR CHILDREN means... Reassuring appointments geared to your child's self-esteem and confidence ... THE WHOLE CHILD FIRST Conservative treatment of dental cavities. Wherever the pain is, we can help! Foot Solutions has been exceptionally successful in helping our customers find relief from: ...A NON TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE. ... WHEN, WHY AND HOW Bottle cavities treatment and oral habits management. **************** **************** **************** · · · · · Heel Pain Plantar Fasciitis Arthritis Flat Feet Diabetic Feet · · · · Knee Pain Hammer Toe Metatarsalgia And More! Topical fluorides and preventive fissure sealants ... A CAVITY-FREE GENERATION Guidance of the emerging teeth with early interceptive orthodontics ... HELPING FACES GROW Customers are taken through a thorough foot and gait assessment at no charge. (Valid until Feb.15/13) You'll love the experience. Certified Specialist in Paediatric Dentistry DR KENNETH HUNE www.hunekayedental.com HUNE KAYE DENTAL GROUP 1540 North Service Rd. West. 3rd. Line & QEW (Tim Hortons Plaza) Oakville, Ontario, L6M4A1 NEW FAMILIES WELCOME Open Tuesday - Sunday, Closed Monday 905-844-0872