Celebrating 200K Crime Stoppers Tips

Last year, tips to Toronto Crime Stoppers (TCS) led to the seizure of $644,000 in illegal drugs, 490 charges, the recovery of 11 stolen vehicles and the seizure of 15 illegal firearms.

“Every crime gun seizure counts because they each have the potential to cause a lot of harm,” Toronto Police Service (TPS) Chief Myron Demkiw noted at the 27th annual TCS Chief of Police dinner and awards on May 15.

In 2024, Toronto Police seized 717 crime guns.

“We know that these firearms can often be involved in multiple crimes, Demkiw pointed out. “It is not only the guns themselves that we take off our streets. It is also the dangerous criminals.”

Last week, 43-year-old Kamar Cunningham, who was ranked seventeen on Bolo’s Top 25 Canada Most Wanted List, was arrested by United States Marshals in the Atlanta, Georgia region.

He is being held pending extradition.

“When people are causing harm in our communities, we are relentless,” said Demkiw, who thanked BOLO Executive Director Maxime Langlois for making it harder for fugitives to evade police.

The Chief also acknowledged the other important initiatives that TCS are involved in, including the second phase of Soul on Ice Level Up Hockey camp and Project Winter Warm Up.

“We continue to innovate together, seeking new ways to enhance community safety through crime reduction and prevention initiatives,” added Demkiw. “Finding ways to address the cycles of harm and violence is a big part of our vision for community safety and wellbeing. We cannot do it alone.”

Last month, TCS reached a historic milestone with over 200,000 anonymous tips.

“We are the first Crime Stoppers program in Canada to achieve this,” said Sean Sportun who is the TCS chair. “This landmark moment is more than a number. It is a reflection of the deep trust our community places in us and a testament to our steadfast commitment to providing a safe anonymous channel for citizens to speak and make a difference.”

Premier Doug Ford, Mayor Olivia Chow and Toronto Police Service Board Chair Shelley Carroll all joined in the evening to support Crime Stoppers Toronto.

Since the inception of the TCS Crime Stoppers program 41 years ago, nearly 12,000 arrests have been made, more than 41,000 charges laid, over $72 million in stolen property recovered and over $320 million in illegal drugs removed from city streets.

In addition, countless illegal firearms and dangerous weapons were seized.

“These are not just statistics,” Sportun said. “They represent lives saved, crimes prevented and a beginning to resorting safety in our community. They further reflect the power of a community united in purpose and city that refuses to stay silent in the face of crime.”

The TCS program was launched in 1984 after then Chief Jack Marks asked now-retired Staff Superintendent Gary Grant – who was a Sergeant at the time – to start the initiative.

In 2019, the Gary Grant Media Award of Excellence was launched.

106.5 Elmnt FM was this year’s award recipient.

“The media outlet has been a consistent and dedicated partner in promoting public safety by enhancing community awareness campaigns and developing impactful public service announcements that air on the radio station,” said Sportun. “Throughout this collaboration, our program has strategically reached a targeted listener demographic, amplifying the Crime Stoppers message and extending its impact within the community.”

The Bill Hancox Memorial Award was presented to 4 District that includes 41, 42 and 43 Divisions.

Last year, Crime Stoppers tips were shared with 4 District that were investigated directly by investigators from the assigned Division or had an association to ongoing investigations that involved the TPS support units.

There were 30 arrests, resulting in 149 charges, 31 cases cleared, three firearms and 16 vehicles seized respectively and $1.6 million in property seized, including drugs and cash.

While working undercover in August 1998, Hancox was stabbed in a parking lot in Scarborough. He succumbed to his injuries a few hours later

His murder was solved with the assistance of a Crime Stoppers tip.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Michael Bagg and Daniela Lippa who have been a central part of the TCS program for the last decade.

Bagg served in several roles, including Chair and Treasurer while Lippa was the Office Administrator for 20 years before retiring in June 2024 after 31 years with TPS.

“Their leadership has profoundly influenced the trajectory of Toronto Crime Stoppers, guiding us through periods of significant growth and helping establish the program as one of the most respected crime prevention initiatives worldwide,” said Sportun. “Their contributions extend far beyond the numbers. They reflect a deep commitment to community safety and empowering citizens to act in the fight against crime.”

The Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) and Executek International were the recipients of the Community Partnership Award.

As motor vehicle thefts surged in 2023, the OMVIC developed a strategic partnership with TCS to raise awareness of illegal motor vehicle sales and activities.

An integral partner of TCS for the last 15 years, Executek International dedication and alignment with the Crime Stoppers program have been instrumental in fostering a collaborative approach that has enhanced community safety.

The TCS Board of Directors Award of Distinction was presented to the Toronto Police Homicide Unit and the Bolo program.

BOLO – Be On the Look Out – is a term that is commonly used in movies and television shows and also within the law enforcement community.

Launched in 2018, the Bolo program is an initiative leveraging social media and technology to make sure citizens are on the lookout for Canada’s most wanted so they can report sightings and submit tips to help the police arrest these wanted people.