County’s Crime Stoppers program still taking a bite out of crime

by Cristin Parker cristin@thecherokeean.com

Crime doesn’t pay -- except when you report it to Cherokee County’s Crime Stoppers program.

Cherokee County residents can call in tips on local criminal activity to Crime Stoppers to help law enforcement snare the bad guys – and earn themselves a cash reward in some cases.

“Statistics show that one in three of us will experience some form of crime,” Cherokee County Crime Stoppers President John Hawkins said. “Because of limited personnel and budgets, our law enforcement cannot be everywhere. Locally, Cherokee County Crime Stoppers work as an extra set of eyes for the police and sheriff’s officers. It’s our neighbors watching out and protecting each other.”

Crime Stoppers programs enable citizens to anonymously report information about crimes for cash rewards, helping put criminals behind bars and assist in crime reduction efforts.

All tips are anonymous.

“It’s a simple premise, Hawkins explained. “Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for tipsters with information that leads to an arrest for any crime. Locally, those tips have helped solve several high profile murders in our county and in the recovery of untold amounts of property from thefts or burglaries.”

Cherokee County is currently seeing a lull in cases of theft, burglary and other petty crimes, according to officials with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

“The numbers of these cases is down a little right now,” Cherokee County Sheriff James Campbell said. “Most likely due to more people being at home during the day, because of the Coronavirus. But burglars and thieves like to get out and roam around, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out.”

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) recently reported the state’s Crime Stoppers program in 2019 paid out $40,500 in reward money for anonymous tips that resulted in the arrests of 27 fugitives sought through the Texas 10 Most Wanted Program — including 14 convicted sex offenders.

“Programs like … Crime Stoppers allow Texans to readily view information about individuals who are wanted by law enforcement, making the public more equipped to help us identify these heinous criminals,” Governor Greg Abbott said. “Each year, the tips sent into Crime Stoppers from the public help law enforcement take the most dangerous fugitives off our streets. These programs play an integral role in our work to ensure justice is served and that the state of Texas is safe and secure.”

The Texas Crime Stoppers program is funded by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division. Cherokee County’s Crime Stoppers is a volunteer, non-profit organization funded primarily by private donations from individuals, corporations, associations, clubs, retailers and others who want to make a difference in the community. 100 percent of all contributions go directly to removing criminals from local streets.

“Personally, I’ve been involved with Crime Stoppers for 20 years and extremely proud of the work we’ve done to keep our neighborhoods safer, Hawkins said. “We encourage members of our local community to assist local law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime by overcoming the two key elements that inhibit community involvement -- fear and apathy.

“It could mean a cash reward and you do remain anonymous. Join the fight!”

Call the Cherokee County Crime Stoppers, (903) 586-STOP (7867) with tips on crime in Cherokee County. Make a tax deductible donation to the program by mailing checks, made out to Cherokee County Crime Stoppers, to Cherokee County Crime Stoppers, PO Box 562, Jacksonville, TX 75766.