Thank a Crime Stopper

January is "Crime Stoppers Month in Texas," so be sure to take a moment and thank any of the thousands of businesses, civilian volunteers, media and local law enforcement personnel for their combined efforts in combating crime.

Crime Stoppers has created an effective method for solving crimes and helping citizens take back control of their neighborhoods. Through the courage and untiring determination of our civilian volunteers and law enforcement personnel, Texas is a better and safer place to live.

Texas is home to more than 150 certified Crime Stoppers programs, which are linked together by local hotline numbers and a statewide, toll-free Crime Stoppers phone number (1-800-252-8477 or TIPS). Since the original Texas program began in 1978, Crime Stoppers tips have led to the arrest of 170,000 individuals and the recovery of $1.2 billion in stolen property and illicit narcotics, all while helping reduce law enforcement hours.

In addition to local Crime Stoppers programs, the Texas Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitives and the Top Ten Most Wanted Sex Offenders lists, operated by Governor's Office Texas Crime Stoppers Council staff, help the Texas Department of Public Safety apprehend dangerous criminals. Recently the Texas Top Ten program has made two arrests to every one made by the U.S. Marshals Service's nationwide Top 15 program, bringing 10 offenders to justice in 2011.

Furthermore, the economy of Texas is boosted by the work of the Crime Stoppers programs. Healthcare costs, lives and tax dollars are saved by the apprehension of criminals and the seizure of illicit narcotics.

This is all accomplished with zero tax dollars, through the generosity of those who donate thousands of hours to this effort.