What Makes a Good Tip for Crime Stoppers?
As Crime Stoppers Awareness Month draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to remind everyone that reporting tips and staying vigilant is something that happens year-round. Your 100% anonymous tips can turn into real cash in hand if they provide information leading to an arrest or charges. But what exactly makes a good tip, and how can you be sure the information you provide will be useful to police?
When you call or submit a tip to Crime Stoppers, every detail counts. Even the smallest piece of information might be the missing puzzle piece investigators need. A good tip is one that is specific, accurate, and detailed.
What Information Helps the Most?
When you provide a tip, think about the “who, what, when, where, and how.” Some of the most helpful details include:
Who: Names, nicknames, or descriptions of the person or people involved. This can include their height, build, hair color, tattoos, clothing, or other features. If you don’t know the name, even details like “drives a red pickup truck” or “always wears a blue jacket” can help police narrow down suspects.
What: Information about what happened or is happening. Was it a theft, drug activity, vandalism, or something else? Include as much detail as possible.
When: Dates and times are very important. Did the crime happen yesterday, last week, or is it ongoing? The more precise, the better.
Where: A clear location helps officers investigate. Street addresses, intersections, landmarks, or even descriptions like “the house with the green door near the park” can all make a difference.
How: If you know how the crime took place, such as the method used in a break-in or the type of vehicle involved, this information is very valuable.
What Police Do With a Tip
Once a tip is received, it is forwarded to law enforcement agencies for follow-up. Police may use it to:
Identify or confirm a suspect.
Connect a person to a vehicle or location.
Verify timelines and witness accounts.
Support ongoing investigations.
Sometimes a single tip provides the breakthrough police need to solve a case. Other times, it’s one of many pieces of information that, when combined, build a strong case.
Staying Anonymous
One of the biggest reasons people use Crime Stoppers is that it guarantees anonymity. You do not have to give your name, phone number, or any personal details. You won’t be asked to testify in court. This means you can share what you know without fear of retaliation.
Why Your Tip Matters
Crimes affect entire communities. When people step forward with information, it can:
Help remove dangerous individuals from the streets.
Prevent further crimes from happening.
Provide closure for victims and families.
Strengthen trust and safety in the community.
Every tip—no matter how small it may seem—has the potential to make a difference.
If you have information about a crime, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit your tip online at www.ckcrimestoppers.ca. Remember: your voice is powerful, your information is valuable, and together, we can help keep our communities safe.
CK Crime Stoppers and our local and regional police services work closely together to help ensure that anonymous tips provided by the public help to aid in charges and arrests.
