Smithers Crimestoppers entered the digital world earlier this year, with the launching of a Facebook page and, more importantly, a digital app so people can submit tips using their cellphones.
The app, called Web Tips, allows witnesses to a crime to enter the information regarding the crime using their phones as the incident is occurring.
“People are much more likely to report something the moment they see it,” Smithers Community Police member Matt Davey said.
Entering the information as the crime is occurring, Davey said, also improves the accuracy of the information.
Since the launch of Web Tips, Davey said Smithers Crimestoppers has received 17 tips in the first two months.
“That’s a significant increase over the same time period last year,” he said.
In addition to the cellphone application, Crimestoppers also launched Tip Soft, a tip management system that allows Crimestoppers to contact tipsters to seek more information or clarification about information they provided.
The beauty of Tip Soft is it allows the communication between tipsters and Crimestoppers while maintaining the anonymity of the tipster, Davey explained.
“The system gives us the opportunity to obtain more accurate and relevant information,” Davey said.
Given that Smithers is a small town, Davey estimates somebody knows something about pretty much every crime that occurs in Smithers.
In addition to providing information on local crimes and Crimestoppers programs, the Crimestoppers Facebook page also has information on how to make a good tip.
For information about Crimestoppers visit www.facebook.com/SmithersCrimeStoppers