CRIME STOPPERS WORKS, NEEDS FUNDING

There's nothing like success to breed success. Take the case of Crime Stoppers. In its first few months of operations, Crime Stoppers' rewards have brought tips to crack several major cases. The list is impressive and includes:

-- A payment of $1,000 to an informant whose tip led to the arrest of four men accused of shooting an Old Lorimier Cemetery caretaker.

-- A Crime Stoppers tip led to the arrest of four people and the break up of what authorities think was a methamphetamine lab in Burfordville.

-- Cape Girardeau's police chief will recommend Crime Stoppers pay out rewards to a number of individuals who provided information that resulted in the arrest of three men in connection with four of the 1996 home invasions of elderly residents. It was this rash of crimes that prompted the formation of Crime Stoppers earlier this year.

-- In all, Crime Stoppers has received at least 50 calls to the hotline since June. Tips have resulted in more 10 arrests.

The Southeast Missouri Crime Stoppers is looking to expand beyond Cape Girardeau and live up to its regional name. This extension makes sense, especially since the first Crime Stoppers arrest took place in Jackson. And many criminals don't limit their activities to one city. The broader reach would offer more eyes and ears for both tips and financial support for rewards.

In fact, the success of Crime Stoppers has pretty well depleted its checking account. More reward money is a needed to make sure the system of paying off tipsters continues.

It is easy to give. Individuals can contact any Crime Stoppers member or call the Cape Girardeau Police Department at 335-6621. Checks can also be mailed to Southeast Missouri Crime Stoppers Inc., P.O. Box 1056, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-1056. A sizable bank account for reward money is essential to the program's continued success.

To accomplish this goal of broadening its reach, Crime Stoppers should target more regional crimes in its reward system. The board chooses offenses as featured "Crimes of the Week" for promotion in newspapers, television and radio. It is part of the strategy to get the word out, and it works.

It is easy to call the hotline: 332-0500, and anonymity is essential to the program's success.

Board members should feel proud of the work this organization has done so far. Crime Stoppers is making a real difference in Cape Girardeau and its effectiveness will only continue to grow as the program goes regional.