SAFER INTERNET

Crime Stoppers Marks Safer Internet Day

BOLTON - Everyday a child online is bullied, abused or targeted. The Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers with the support of the Ontario Provincial Police, Crime Prevention Section and Child Sexual Exploitation Section is releasing five Public Service Announcements to mark Safer Internet Day. The Child Sexual Explo

itation Section is responsible for the enforcement of “Child Luring” legislation and considers these investigations as a priority. 

These PSA’s are released to remind parents and young people of the need to practice safety while using the internet. What we know to be wrong in our daily routines is just as wrong online. Stand up – don’t stand by. Help put a stop to internet abuse. If you have information about any form of internet abuse you can contact Crime Stoppers and report it anonymously. 

“We’re determined to promote a safe Internet experience for kids,” said Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Rick Bartolucci. “These announcements produced by Crime Stoppers and the OPP are an important tool in raising awareness and helping to keep our kids safe.” 

Safer Internet Day takes place each year in February to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst children and young people across the world. Information about safe practices can be found at www.internet101.ca. 

Crime Stoppers is a not-for profit community-based charitable programme involving the co-operative efforts of the community, the media and the police in the fight against crime. In Ontario there are 38 community programs in operation. Crime Stoppers encourages the public to call with information concerning crimes that have been committed, are being committed or are about to be committed. 

Crime Stoppers is an effective tool for citizens to report crime. The long established hotline number 1-800-222-TIPS is well known and universal in all of North America. Crime Stoppers can also take secure and anonymous tips online at www.tipsubmit.com 

Crime Stoppers guarantee of anonymity, promise to not appear in court as a witness and the offer of a reward for information that solves a crime has proven to be effective. During 2008 in Ontario, as a result of calls to Crime Stoppers, over 4000 arrests were made, $750,000 in rewards were paid and over $ 70 million dollars of  illegal narcotics or stolen property were recovered. Since inception, over 80,000 arrests have been made, 7.7 million dollars in rewards have been paid out and over 1.5 billion dollars in stolen property or illegal narcotics have been recovered.

 Crime Stoppers is available 24/7. In 2008 alone over 200 tips about child abuse, pedophiles/ luring or pornography were taken after hours.

 This project has been made possible through a grant of $20,000 from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services as part of its strategy to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation on the Internet. The Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers expresses its appreciation to Ontario Provincial Police, Crime Prevention Section and Child Sexual Exploitation Section for its assistance in the development of these PSA’s. The PSA’s were produced by Renegade Digital Media Inc. 

To view or download the PSA’s go to www.ontariocrimestoppers.com and click on Safer Internet. 

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