BASSETERRE, ST.KITTS – THE recently-established Crime Stoppers hotline has reportedly been very busy with residents on St. Kitts and Nevis calling to provide the police with information on crime, violence and other criminal-related issues.
Commissioner of Police Celvin ‘CG’ Walwyn told reporters at a recent press conference held in his office at Police Headquarters on Lozack Road that many people have been reporting “everything” to the police, including where to find guns and even on domestic violence.
“Since the implementation of the Crime Stoppers programme, we’ve seen about a 10 percent to 20 percent increase in cooperation from the public through that medium. People are actually calling Crime Stoppers and they’re reporting everything which is ok. We would much rather you call us with something you think is important than not to call us at all.
“And we’ve had everything from where the guns are to whose planning what, to who is beating their wives; things that you would not think they would call Crime Stoppers for…they’re calling,” COP Walwyn said.
He encouraged people to “please” continue calling 1-800-8477 (TIPS).
COP Walwyn spoke about the confidentiality aspect for individuals who would call to give tips on the hotline.
“They will not know your phone number when you call; all they see is 869. That’s it! They don’t know who you are, they will not ask you your name, they will not ask you where you live. You just tell them what you have to say. They will write it down, then they notify us. They are not the police, so they are not coming to your house to ask anything.
“You call, you give them the information, they call my office and they give us the information here. So the regular cops down the line do not have the information; it comes straight to the office of the Commissioner’.
In response to if the public has been more cooperative recently, COP Walwyn enthusiastically said, “Yes…yes.”
