Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers Reflects on a Busy Year and Looks Ahead to 2026

The past year has been a busy and productive one for Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers, as the organization continued to work diligently in support of the community with the shared goals of stopping, solving, and preventing crime across Chatham-Kent. In addition to supporting investigations through anonymous tips, the organization also focused on education and outreach that promote safety, security, and overall community well-being.

At the core of Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers is a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors who contribute their time, expertise, and leadership. Through ongoing recruitment efforts, the Board welcomed several new members this year while also recognizing and thanking long-serving members who have completed their terms.

“Thank you to all of the volunteers and sponsors who helped make this year a success. We couldn’t have done it without you,” said Erica McIntosh, Crime Stoppers Program Coordinator.

One of the major highlights of the year was the sold-out second annual Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament. The event raised important funds to support key programs and initiatives, including the Children’s Safety Expo, the anonymous tips-for-cash program, and a wide range of educational engagements with local community groups.

“We will be reviewing our full statistics later in the New Year once all of the data is available, but we are already seeing positive results,” said McIntosh. “People are making a real effort to submit detailed tips that include the who, what, when, where, and how. Quality information increases the likelihood that police can take action, which may ultimately lead to arrests or charges.”

McIntosh also noted a growing trend among tipsters who choose not to receive a cash reward. “We are seeing an increasing number of people submitting tips who do not wish to accept a reward. We want to remind the public that all tips are anonymous, and that there is also a secure process in place to keep cash rewards anonymous as well.”

Looking ahead to 2026, Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers will be introducing a change to its communications approach. The organization will be transitioning away from the traditional Crime of the Week format and launching a new CK Crime Stoppers Community Update.

“While ‘Crime of the Week’ is a catchy name, it limits our ability to share timely and relevant information,” said McIntosh. “The new Community Update will allow us to continue requesting assistance with investigations while also sharing education, prevention messaging, and important community updates. In today’s 24-hour news environment, it’s important that Crime Stoppers remains current and responsive.”

January is Crime Stoppers Awareness Month, and the community is invited to attend the annual flag-raising ceremony at the Chatham Civic Centre on January 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. The event will officially launch another year of Crime Stoppers’ work in support of community safety.