WATCH: Crime Stoppers is asking for your help to keep guns off our streets. They’re asking you to call in – if you know of someone who may have an illegal weapon. And as Grace Ke reports, there’s something in it for you as well.
VANCOUVER – A new campaign called ‘Cash for Guns’ aims to get illegal guns off the streets and put more money in your pocket.
Firearms, most often handguns, are involved in more than one quarter of murders committed in Metro Vancouver.
Crime Stoppers and local police agencies announced on Thursday they will be offering people money to report on illegal guns.
Police say when a gang member or a criminal has a gun, a friend, relative, or somebody else usually knows it. Many do not report these weapons out of fear, but through Crime Stoppers, residents can stay anonymous.
“People may personally know individuals with these guns, but because they’re close, they may think it’s too risky to speak out and do something about it. We’re giving them the way to get past that,” said Linda Annis, Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers. “Violent crime involving illegal guns is increasing at an alarming rate, and for every person carrying one of these weapons, someone else has information that could lead police to seizing these guns. Crime Stoppers is offering them a safe way to do the right thing.”
The goal of the campaign is to get 500 guns off the streets in the next year. Residents around Metro Vancouver will see messages on billboards, digital boards and bus shelters, along with ads on radio and TV.
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Residents reporting illegal guns could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
“We’re pleased to be able to support this campaign wholeheartedly by providing more than 120 billboard spaces and 200 transit shelters around the region to get the message out,” said Steve MacGregor, vice president and general manager – Pacific Region of Pattison Outdoor. “Crime Stoppers provides an invaluable service that helps police fight crime day in, and day out, for the benefit of everyone in the community. We’re proud to have the chance to be a key partner and contribute to this campaign.”
Annis added that “the caller’s motivation doesn’t matter. All we want is the anonymous tip as to who has the guns, and how police might find how it might be found and seize them.”
Contact Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers.
‘Cash for Guns’ is supported by local police forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) E Division, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – BC, and the Canada Border Services Agency.
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