Huron Perth Crime Stoppers has a new police co-ordinator.

Al Penn now oversees the organization that provides cash rewards for tips leading to the arrest of criminals.

Based out of Seaforth, the counties’ Crime Stoppers unit receives between 180-200 tips a year – a number Penn says has stayed somewhat constant over the years – while about 70 per cent of tips are drug-related.

“We also receive tips regarding fugitives, impaired drivers, domestic disputes ... anything to do with criminal or provincial law,” says Penn.

A large issue right now, notes Penn,  is rural vehicle thefts involving unlocked trucks with the keys left in the ignition.

“I’ll walk to the store on the corner from the office (in Seaforth) and spot two to three cars with their keys in them.”

Vehicle theft hurts everyone, from insurance payers to police officers involved in chasing down offenders, he adds.

While the organization’s phone number, 1-800-222-TIPS, is the traditional way to submit tips, Penn says using its website, www.pc-crimestoppers.ca, instead has some additional benefits.

“When phoning, we have no call display, and so have no way to call you back for more information.”

That means if additional information is needed, Crime Stoppers has to wait for a tipster to call back.

With the Internet, the possibility is there to communicate through email, although identities are still kept anonymous.

“When you submit a tip through the website, it goes to a centre in Texas where it filters out the IP address and all personal information before it’s sent back to me,” explains Penn.

If Crime Stoppers wants to communicate with the tipster, their email is again sent through Texas to avoid revealing the informant’s identity.

Only tips that lead to a case being cleared are eligible for a cash reward. In these instances, the operation remains clandestine.

“We’re partnered with local businesses that act as cash pick-up locations,” explains Penn.

The Huron Perth branch of the agency is currently looking for board members, whose responsibility it is to   vote on tip payment amounts and organize fundraisers.

Anyone interested in sitting on the board is to call Penn directly at 519-527-1353.