Tipsters can earn themselves $300 if they provide Toronto Police information that leads to the seizure of an illegal gun.
The police and Toronto Crime Stoppers launched a campaign which is designed to get illegal firearms off the streets by offering tipsters a $300 reward until Feb. 7.
“This initiative aims to amplify voices of our community and address the threats posed by illegal firearms to our citizens and surrounding regions,” Toronto Crime Stoppers Chair Sean Sportun said Tuesday at Toronto Police headquarters on College St.
“Through continued awareness and education, we aim to empower individuals to anonymously report information about illegal firearms and other criminal activities.”
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Sportun said the campaign — to mark Crime Stoppers month — will be promoted on social media, radio and billboards “in strategic areas at a pro-bono cost.”
Toronto Crime Stoppers, a not-for-profit community-based organization launched in 1984, received thousands of tips last year, which resulted in the seizure of 15 firearms.
Tipsters also helped officers seize $2.4 million in property and narcotics, arrest 99 suspects and lay more than 490 charges. Information provided to Crime Stoppers also culminated in the recovery of 11 stolen vehicles and assisted detectives in solving five homicide cases.
“Your tips can literally save lives,” said Deputy Chief Robert Johnson, who added officers seized 717 “crime guns” in the city last year.
“We know these firearms can often be involved in multiple crimes. Gun violence is devastating families and communities, and it needs to stop,” he said.
Toronto Crime Stoppers tips previously led to the seizure of 30 illegal firearms in 2023 and 89 in 2022.
So, is $300 enough to get someone to anonymously leave a tip on an armed friend?
“I would honestly say you can’t put a price on a firearm — I think it’s a start,” said Det. Marc Madramootoo.
“We were hoping that this will generate some information. Further to that, Crime Stoppers is a charitable organization, and we do the best we can in terms of disseminating those funds where appropriate.”
To report a crime to Toronto Crime Stoppers, call 416-222-8477 (TIPS) or visit its website at 222tips.com.