IN the nearly 15 years since Crime Stoppers Bahamas was established, the community action organisation has helped lead police to 216 arrests, assisted in clearing 856 cases in the process and recovering more than $450,000 in property.

Moreover, $676,000 worth of narcotics has been seized, all as a result of information provided by concerned Bahamians with a few persons requesting cash rewards to date.

“There must be a concerted effort placed on building relationships between the community, media and law enforcement,” said Marisa Ahwai, chairman of Crime Stoppers Bahamas, a civilian organisation under the umbrella of Crime Stoppers International which offers monetary rewards for anonymous tips about suspicious activity in the community.

“Forensic science and investigative skills are an integral part of solving crimes, but information from the public is one of the most crucial elements of the investigative process.”

Police recorded 146 homicides in 2015, which was a record-breaking year for killings in the Bahamas.

According to a February 2016 report released by the US Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), while residential security remains a pronounced concern in light of alarming crime statistics, a combination of residential alarms, security gates on windows, neighbourhood watches and roving security patrols have proven an effective deterrent.

“If we all start minding our neighbour’s business and reporting anything suspicious to Crime Stoppers, we can further reduce property crime,” Ms. Ahwai said.

“The Crime Stoppers hotline provides a way for people to expose crime of any kind with no fear of being identified,” the chairman said, adding that all incoming voice calls are answered in the US or Canada.

The NGO plans to launch an app for smart phones in the near future.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to report wrongdoings,” Ms. Ahwai said. “Our goal is to rid the Bahamas of the scourge of crime and violence so that residents and visitors alike can feel free to walk about day and night and enjoy our beautiful Bahama land. We urge residents to step up and help ‘Stop the Crime Before It’s Your Time!’”

Using anonymous tips provided by the public, Crime Stoppers assists authorities in uncovering fraud, solving crimes and exposing all forms of abuse. To report a crime or suspicious activity text or call 328-TIPS (8477) in Nassau or toll free at (242) 300-TIPS (8477) in the Family Islands.

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