Jamaica Crime Stop getting more tips via the Internet

(Jamaica Observer) More members of the public are using the Internet to report criminal activity to Crime Stop.

Chairman of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica’s (PSOJ’s) National Security Committee, Peter John Thwaites, made the disclosure at the PSOJ’s head office in Kingston yesterday, shortly after the LIME Foundation handed over J$1.4 million in continued support for Crime Stop.

“This is a dynamic change that has been taking place,” Thwaites said, adding that one of the reasons for persons using social media who have been sending in worthwhile leads for the solving or investigation of serious crimes, including murder and drug dealing, was that they were confident that their anonymity would remain intact.

Chairman of the LIME Foundation Errol Miller, who reflected on the fact that the identities of callers to Crime Stop have never been compromised since its inception in 1987, said the use of social media by Crime Stop made the foundation even more passionate about its continued financial support.

Thwaites, meanwhile, said public support for Crime Stop and financial support from the LIME Foundation — totalling J$20 million in eight years — were the main drivers for the success of the private sector-led anti-crime programme.

PSOJ President Christopher Zacca thanked the foundation for its unwavering support and reiterated that despite the organisation’s intense focus on the economy, crime was still a major concern to its members.

Besides financial support, the LIME Foundation continues to support Crime Stop with donations of telephone systems, computers and generous discounts on telephone services.