Crime Stoppers Antigua and Barbuda was established in 2008 through the efforts of the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association/ABHTA. The program however, has been dormant since 2014.
Today, the ABHTA is pleased to again partner with the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda to bring this important tip line service to the islands.
Crime Stoppers Antigua and Barbuda is a registered non-profit corporation helping law enforcement to locate criminals and help solve crimes. Residents can call to pass on information about crime anonymously, through a 24-hour Hotline phone number, 800-8477 (TIPS).
Calls are answered in Canada so tipsters can feel safe knowing that their report is indeed confidential. Alternatively, residents can send information anonymously via the web at www.crimestoppersantigua.org by completing the Anonymous Online Form.
As a service to the community, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is a key partner in this effort. The Force has provided Crime Stoppers Antigua and Barbuda with two Police programme coordinators, linking information received to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Neil Forrester, Chairman of the Crime Stoppers Civilian Board of Directors stated that “We know that it can be difficult to come forward with information. You might have seen or heard something about a crime but don’t know what to do or are scared to come forward. It’s easy to think there is nothing you can do, but Crime Stoppers offers you a safe way to do this. Global statistics show that, worldwide, around 14 people are arrested and charged everyday thanks to the information received from the public – so your information can make a difference.”
Commissioner Atlee Rodney, in expressing the position of the Royal Police Force commented that, “I wish to publicly endorse this initiative and pledge my full support, and that of my organization to Crime Stoppers, and to assure our partners that we are in this together. I also wish to congratulate the visionaries for their foresight in seeing to it Crime Stoppers is once again operational in Antigua and Barbuda. I would also like to express my gratitude to all the sponsors and those who have partnered with the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association in making this program a reality in Antigua and Barbuda again”.
The goal of Crime Stoppers is to give residents an avenue to stop crimes that hurts them, their family, and their community. Staying anonymous will give everyone the opportunity to speak out when their personal circumstances could silence them.
Individuals and communities have a right to be safe from crime and the fear of crime. Each of us has a responsibility to create a country where there are fewer victims of crime.
