Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers had another successful year in 2023 and shared their highlights at last night’s Annual General Meeting.  

The organization provides opportunities for the public to give anonymous tips with information that could lead to solving crimes. In instances where information leads to an arrest, individuals could be eligible for cash rewards.  

Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers received 156 tips in 2023, resulting in 8 arrests and 53 charges. Of the 8 arrests, 7 stemmed from their Warrant Wednesday postings on social media.  

Five rewards were approved for tips given, amounting to $1,250 in 2023.  

Since its founding, Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers have gotten 4,563 tips leading to 511 arrests. They have meted out $56,865 in rewards for tips and have recovered $838,233 in property and drugs.  

Chair Lyle Johnson recognized the contributions of Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers secretary Rose Mary Hartney, who passed away last year. “She was a very valued member, and we’d just like to acknowledge the fact that she was a member in good standing for many years and did lots of good things for our community – one of them being involvement with us.” 

Johnson also thanked several organizations for their donations in 2023, including ACT/UCT, SaskPower, SaskTel, Moose Jaw Kinsmen, the Early Bird Lions, The RM of Moose Jaw, and Jim and Sandy Connely. Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers can provide their cash rewards for tips due to donations received.  

Pat Carle with ACT/UCT presented Crime Stoppers with a cheque for $2000 last night for 2024. 

Pat Carle and Lyle JohnsonPat Carle and Lyle Johnson

Terri Roney, Moose Jaw & District Victim Services Coordinator made a presentation on Victim Services, and she brought along facility dog Sven. 

Victim Services have been in operation in Moose Jaw since 1994 and runs on support from volunteers. “Our job is to provide ongoing support, information, and referrals to victims of crime in our community,” said Roney. 

Services offered by Victim Services are for crimes against the person, and depending on the crimes committed, can include phone call support, referring victims to relevant community organizations, and providing victims with court updates and accompaniment.  

The Victim Compensation Program may have funding available if someone is found to be eligible, with potential coverage for ambulance bills, funeral expenses, loss of earnings and dental work. 

Roney explained how Sven helps with Victim Services. “Sven is trained at a judicial level, so he can be in court. He can be used as a testimonial aid. He can go on the stand with a victim, he can be in the soft room with a victim – that's been a big helping tool for people. Court’s scary, so it’s just nice to have another tool.” 

“Especially when we see children that are coming in to be interviewed by an officer, who are a victim of something, we have the ability to put Sven in the interview room now to sit with the child,” added Roney.  

Facility dog Sven comes from the Pacific Assistant Dog Society. He has been deployed between 70 and 75 times since he arrived in Moose Jaw in December 2022, helping to break barriers and support victims.  

Anyone interested in submitting anonymous tips to Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers can call them at 1-800-222-8477, visit them online at p3tips.com, or download their mobile app. To follow them on Facebook, you can find their page here.