Crime Stoppers Announces Winner of the 2024 Dave Benton Crime Fighter of the Year Award
July 25, 2024

Champaign County Crime Stoppers is proud to announce that Peter McFarland has been recognized as this year’s recipient of the Dave Benton Crime Fighter of the Year Award. The award was announced and presented to McFarland at Crime Stoppers’ Annual Meeting held today at the Elks Lodge in Savoy.

A lifelong resident of Champaign County, Peter McFarland was recognized for his more than 35 years of service to youth development across Champaign County and for his commitment to promoting community safety. Those who nominated McFarland said he has been actively engaged in youth development for more that 30 years at First String, “a community team,” Inc., and Champaign’s Douglass Park. In total, McFarland has had a positive impact in shaping the lives of more than 6,000 individuals in Champaign-Urbana. McFarland has also been involved in providing free health clinics, trips to major league baseball games, skill camps featuring former NBA players, Boy Scouts, refereeing, and countless other outreach programs. His nomination form stated “Thanks to Peter and his capacity to exemplify leadership in programs like First String, families in the Champaign community come out to Douglass Park and feel good about doing good.” The Champaign County Crime Stoppers Board of Directors congratulates and thanks Peter McFarland for his lifetime commitment to improving lives and community safety in Champaign County.

Of this honor Peter McFarland said, “Giving thanks to God for the vision and mission that he has trusted me with. He has been ordering my steps for over 30 years now. For that I say thanks. I worked and got to know Dave at WCIA Channel 3. Having known the kind of person Dave was makes me very grateful to receive the Dave Benton Crime Fighter of the Year Award in his honor. I’m very grateful and humbled for this award, which could have been given to any number of individuals in Champaign-Urbana who do good work in the community. Thanks to my wife Debarah and my children for allowing me to do this work, and thank you to all who played a part in this great honor.”

McFarland attended the Crime Stoppers Annual Meeting on July 25, 2024, and accepted his award in front of a packed house of local dignitaries, elected officials, law enforcement officers, and supporters. 

John Hecker, President of Champaign County Crime Stoppers said, “Our program congratulates and thanks Peter for his hard work and dedication to the youth of Champaign County. Through his tireless work and dedication, he has helped shape the lives of the thousands of individuals and enhanced the safety of our community. For his continuing efforts in these areas, Peter is most deserving of this year’s Dave Benton Crime Fighter Award.”

Champaign County Crime Stoppers has been proudly serving the Champaign County community for more than 38 years. Anonymous tips to our program have assisted local law enforcement in solving more than 2,248 cases, making 1,907 arrests, and recovering more than $2.25 million dollars of property and illegal narcotics.

Dave Benton Crime Fighter Award nominations due June 20th
May 21, 2024

Crime Stoppers’ Popular Paper Shredding and Prescription Drug Drop Off Event is April 20
April 04, 2024

Take Control of your Identity Safety with Crime Stoppers Shred Event on October 28
October 23, 2023

On Saturday, October 28, 2023, Champaign County Crime Stoppers will partner with Champaign Police and Triad Shredding to host another event for the public to safely get rid of old documents (like bank and tax statements), cell phones, and medications. The items will be safely and legally destroyed off-site, reducing the risk of identity theft, drug abuse, and medications entering the water supply. The event will be held in lot E14 at First Street and Kirby Avenue in Champaign from 9-11 a.m.

“Champaign County Crime Stoppers has very little overhead costs, but as a volunteer nonprofit, we have no paid fundraising staff,” said John Hecker, Crime Stoppers President. “So, money raised from events like this is key to our mission of fighting crime. Around 92 cents of every dollar donated goes toward cash rewards to anonymous tipsters.”

Anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers continue to make an impact in Champaign County. Since Crime Stoppers increased the reward for gun crimes in 2019, tips have resulted in 76 arrests and 91 firearms recovered. Just last month, Crime Stoppers learned of a tip that led to a so-called ghost gun – a gun designed not to be traced – taken off the streets. And since March 2022, tips have led to the arrest of two murder suspects.
 

Frequently asked questions about the shred event:

• Can I get in line early? Yes, but expect a short wait no matter what time you arrive as this has become a popular event. Please approach the lot from the east and follow Crime Stoppers staff instructions to get in line. Please do not stop on the street while you wait. Follow Crime Stoppers on Twitter and Facebook for wait time updates.

• How much can I bring? The only limit is two bankers boxes of documents. We suggest a $10 donation for documents and a $10 donation for cell phones.

• Are there separate lines for each category? No, there is one line.

• What drugs are accepted? Prescription and non-prescription pills, patches, capsules, tablets, powders, sealed insulin vials, vitamins, ointments and patches. Pet medications of these types are also accepted. Please have the items in some sort of container, like a pill bottle or plastic bag.

• What drugs are not accepted? Needles and other sharps, inhalers, aerosol cans, thermometers, lotions, liquids and hydrogen peroxide. Ask your local pharmacy or police department about disposal of these items.

• What if a loved one passes away and I find illegal drugs in their home? Can I bring them to this event? We recommend you contact your local police department.

• Do I need to remove my name or personal information from any items? No, this service is anonymous, and all items will be safely and legally destroyed off-site.

Click here for more information on identity theft from the Crime Stoppers website.

Letter to the Editor Regarding Cessation of Court Funding
October 15, 2023

For more than 37 years, Champaign County Crime Stoppers has served as an effective way for area residents to anonymously share information about criminal activity with law enforcement. To encourage people to step forward, Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards of up to $5,000 for tips which lead to an arrest or the recovery of stolen property. Since our inception, Crime Stoppers tips have led to 1,907 arrests and the recovery of more than $2.1 million of stolen property and narcotics in Champaign County. To operate, our nonprofit has relied upon funding through an anti-crime fee levied by the judiciary on many defendants found guilty of committing crime. Our organization was informed last month that this funding source has ceased due to changes related to the Safe-T Act that recently went into effect across Illinois. The unexpected loss of this funding, which we have relied upon for more than three decades, was a financial blow to our organization. So that we can continue to serve our community long into the future we are turning to Champaign County’s residents and businesses to help support our nonprofit program that has a long and successful history of helping take criminals off our streets. Credit card donations can be made through our website (373tips.com) and checks can be mailed to Champaign County Crime Stoppers, PO Box 814, Champaign, IL 61820. All donations are tax deductible. We thank everyone in Champaign County for your continued support.

Champaign County Crime Stoppers

Take control of your identity safety with Crime Stoppers
June 14, 2023

On Saturday, June 17, 2023, Champaign County Crime Stoppers, Champaign Police, and Triad Shredding will host another event for the public to safely get rid of old documents (like bank and tax statements), cell phones, and medications. The items will be destroyed off-site, reducing the risk of identity theft and drug abuse. The event will be held in lot E14 at First Street and Kirby Avenue in Champaign from 9-11 a.m.

Frequently asked questions about the event:

• Can I get in line early? Yes, but expect a short wait no matter what time you arrive as this has become a popular event. Please approach the lot from the east and follow Crime Stoppers staff instructions to get in line. Please do not stop on the street while you wait. Follow Crime Stoppers on Facebook and Twitter for wait time updates.

• How much can I bring? The only limit is two bankers boxes of documents. We suggest a $10 donation for documents and a $10 donation for cell phones.

• Are there separate lines for each category? No, there is one line.

• What drugs are accepted? Prescription and non-prescription pills, patches, capsules, tablets, powders, sealed insulin vials, vitamins, ointments and patches. Pet medications of these types are also accepted. Please have the items in some sort of container, like a pill bottle or plastic bag.

• What drugs are not accepted? Needles and other sharps, inhalers, aerosol cans, thermometers, lotions, liquids and hydrogen peroxide. Ask your local pharmacy or police department about disposal of these items.

• What if a loved one passes away and I find illegal drugs in their home? Can I bring them to this event? We recommend you contact your local police department.

• Do I need to remove my name or personal information from any items? No, this service is anonymous, and all items will be safely and legally destroyed off-site.

“This event has become popular in Champaign-Urbana, and Crime Stoppers is pleased to organize it,” said John Hecker, Crime Stoppers president. “It’s a win-win situation. The public can get rid of unwanted items, reducing the risk for identity theft and drug abuse. And with their donations, the community can support Crime Stoppers’ efforts to reduce every type of crime. We have no office or paid staff, so every dollar goes toward our mission.”

Click here for more information on identity theft.

Honor a Citizen Crime-fighter in Champaign County
May 09, 2023

Champaign County Crime Stoppers is reminding the public that the deadline is approaching to nominate outstanding citizens for two of the group’s initiatives: the Dave Benton Crime Fighter Award and the Youth Scholarship Award.

The Benton award is named for the late Dave Benton, a WCIA anchor and Crime Stoppers Board Member. It recognizes a Champaign County resident or organization who has made their community a better place through citizen crime-fighting efforts. Examples include neighborhood groups that promote safety or someone who mentors kids to keep them on the right track.

The deadline to nominate for the Benton award is June 15, 2023. The winner, as chosen by the Crime Stoppers Board, will receive $500, a framed certificate, and their name will be engraved on a plaque of past winners.

Crime Stoppers is also taking applications for its youth scholarship. High school seniors in Champaign County who are planning a career in criminal justice are encouraged to apply. Applicants must provide information about their high school life, extracurriculars, etc. and write a short essay on why they are pursuing a career in criminal justice.

The winner, chosen by the Crime Stoppers Board, will receive $500. The money will go directly into the student’s account at the college or university they are attending. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is June 15, 2023.

“It takes everyone working together to create safe and thriving communities,” said Crime Stoppers President John Hecker. “We want to recognize the people and groups who are doing their part.”

Winners of the Benton award and youth scholarship will be recognized at Crime Stoppers’ annual luncheon in July.

Crime Stoppers shred event postponed
April 20, 2023

Due to the possibility of poor weather, including high winds, Champaign County Crime Stoppers has postponed Saturday’s (4/22/2023) shred event and drug take back.

“The main concern is documents with sensitive information getting blown away in the wind,” said Crime Stoppers President John Hecker. “We know this is a popular event, and we will work to reschedule as soon as possible.”

Residents can contact their local police department or pharmacy about disposing of medication.

Crime Stoppers will let the community and media know of a reschedule date.

Our Turn : Crime Stoppers Tipsters Should Be Celebrated, Not Vilified
February 25, 2023

“We need the public to tell us what they saw and what they know. Even the smallest bit of information can help us solve this crime.” All too often this phrase is repeated by law enforcement when talking about serious crimes taking place right here in Central Illinois. Champaign County Crime Stoppers knows that residents want to ensure the safety of their families, neighbors, schools, and communities. Many who witness serious crimes will unabashedly share what they know with law enforcement in order to promote public safety and hold criminals accountable for their actions. However, this is not possible for everyone. Whether they do not want to be seen talking with police or have a genuine fear of retaliation, some choose to ignore the pleas of grieving family members and frustrated law enforcement officers. For those individuals who are fearful of sharing what they know, Champaign County Crime Stoppers has provided an easy way to share information anonymously for more than 36 years.

Since 1986, our civilian nonprofit group has taken anonymous tips directly from the public and relayed that information to local law enforcement. We go to great expense and technological lengths to ensure that no one will ever be able to identify a tipster. Calls to Crime Stoppers are scrubbed of all caller ID information and are routed to a specially trained answering service in Canada. Tips provided through our website and mobile app are electronically scrubbed of all identifying information including IP addresses. Phone calls are not recorded and a tipster is never asked for his or her name. The identity of tipsters will never be known by anyone—not by Crime Stoppers, law enforcement, judges, prosecutors, or defense lawyers. Tipsters will not have to make a formal statement to police or testify in court. A unique code number is assigned to each tipster with instructions on how to check back for a possible reward if the information provided leads to an arrest. All we want is the information. Nothing more.

You will note we refer to the individuals who choose to step forward and share information anonymously with Crime Stoppers as “tipsters.”  Unfortunately, The News-Gazette has more than once chosen other disparaging words (nark, snitch) to describe heroes who have courageously come forward to share information that has helped to protect our families, neighbors, and communities. Many of the criminals apprehended because of a Crime Stoppers tip have lengthy criminal records, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, robbery, drug trafficking, and other felonies. We have little doubt the criminal activities of these individuals would have continued except for the brave individuals who did what the police are imploring all of us to do - “Step forward and tell us what you know.”

Recognizing that our teenagers and young adults are increasingly exposed to criminal activities taking place in their schools and neighborhoods, we recently developed a targeted marketing campaign to share information about Crime Stoppers with this often-overlooked segment of our community. The marketing campaign featured two prominent University of Illinois basketball players who are looked up to and idolized by teens and young adults. The athletes put their time, talent, and notoriety to good use by recording a public service announcement to encourage teens to contact Crime Stoppers if they are unable to share information directly with teachers or other authority figures. By explaining how Crime Stoppers is an anonymous way to share information about crimes or potential crimes, the athletes encouraged their fans to be good teammates and ensure the safety of their school, friends, and family. If a student ever becomes aware of a serious threat to their school or classmates, we hope they will be bold enough to share that information with a parent, teacher, or Crime Stoppers. Should the day come when a horrific tragedy like a school shooting is averted because of a tipster, we trust our community will recognize this for what it was - a brave and valiant action that saved lives.

Crime Stoppers works because the residents of Champaign County support and believe in our program. Tipsters trust that they will have complete anonymity, and law enforcement recognizes the value we bring by bridging the gap with those unable or unwilling to speak directly with police. Since our inception, anonymous tips to Champaign County Crime Stoppers have led to the arrest of 1,870 suspects, cleared 2,202 criminal cases, and the recovery of nearly $2 million of stolen property and narcotics. In just the last four years, tips through our Illegal Gun Bounty Reward Program have led to the arrest of 67 people involved in felony gun crimes, including three homicides, and taken 81 illegal firearms off the streets.

As a local nonprofit, Crime Stoppers relies upon fundraising and donations from the public to support expenses related to rewards and operating costs. Our all-volunteer organization has no office, no paid staff, and keeps overhead expenses to a minimum so that the majority of our funding can be used to pay rewards. Thanks to individual donors and grants from the City of Champaign, Champaign County, and the Champaign County Community Coalition, last year we were able to raise our maximum reward in order to provide an enhanced financial incentive for tipsters who share information about the most serious crimes harming our communities. Since March 2022, Crime Stoppers has paid $5,000 cash rewards for information leading to an arrest in a homicide case and $2,500 for tips leading to an arrest in a felony crime involving a firearm. Since 1986, Crime Stoppers has approved nearly $200,000 in rewards, including $86,000 through our new Illegal Gun Bounty Reward Program.

We are grateful to everyone who has supported Champaign County Crime Stoppers with either your time, service, or donations throughout the history of our program. With the continued support of our wonderful community, we look forward to continuing to help bridge the gap between the public and law enforcement for decades to come. To share a crime tip please call our tips line (217-373-TIPS), visit our website (373tips.com), or use the free P3 Tips mobile app. To learn more about our nonprofit organization, or to support us, please visit our website.

- Champaign County Crime Stoppers’ Board of Directors

Champaign County Crime Stoppers teams up with Illini basketball stars to promote crime awareness
February 01, 2023

Champaign County Crime Stoppers is teaching young people about crime awareness and prevention through a new digital advertisement featuring Illini basketball players Luke Goode and Ty Rodgers.

The ad is being broadcast on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok and has already reached thousands. Goode and Rodgers were filmed at the Stephen’s Family YMCA in Champaign. The partnership was possible thanks to Illinois’ name, image, and likeness law for college athletes.

“Being a great team means everyone works together,” Rodgers says to lead off the message.

“If you cannot talk to a teacher or the police, Crime Stoppers is anonymous and willing to pay up to $5,000 if your tip leads to an arrest,” Goode says.

The ad concludes with Rodgers telling viewers to download the P3 Tips app to anonymously report a crime and be eligible for a cash reward.

“Young people often have information about things going on in their school or neighborhood but are hesitant to provide information or don’t know how to anonymously,” says Josh Henson, general manager of Adams Outdoor Advertising in Champaign and the Crime Stoppers board member who oversaw creation of the ad. “This video reaches kids and teens where they are with a simple and relatable message.”

Crime Stoppers would like to thank Kam Cox at the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics and Renae Cory at the Stephen’s Family YMCA for their support in making the advertisement.

Crime Stoppers’ efforts to get criminals off the streets continue to receive support from local law enforcement and governing bodies. Since Crime Stoppers introduced its illegal gun bounty reward program in January 2019, anonymous tips have led to 67 arrests, 81 illegal guns recovered, and $86,000 in rewards to tipsters.

In March 2022, Crime Stoppers increased its reward in homicide cases to $5,000. Since then, there have been two such arrests thanks to anonymous tips.

In January 2023 alone, the Crime Stoppers board approved $13,750 in rewards, including five illegal gun bounty rewards of $2,500 each.

Support Crime Stoppers During Holiday Shopping
November 14, 2022

Identity Theft Can Happen to Anyone, Even the Protectors. Shred Event is 10/29/2022
October 26, 2022

• Can I get in line early? Yes, but expect a short wait no matter what time you arrive as this has become a popular event. Please do not stop on the street while you wait.
• How much can I bring? The only limit is two bankers boxes of documents. We suggest a $10 donation for documents and a $10 donation for cell phones.
• Are there separate lines for each category? No, there is one line.
• What drugs are accepted? Prescription and non-prescription pills, patches, capsules, tablets, powders, sealed insulin vials, vitamins, ointments and patches. Pet medications of these types are also accepted. Please have the items in some sort of container, if possible, like a pill bottle or plastic bag.
• What drugs are not accepted? Needles and other sharps, inhalers, aerosol cans, thermometers, lotions, liquids and hydrogen peroxide. Ask your local pharmacy or police department about disposal of these items.
• What if a loved one passes away and I find illegal drugs in their home?Can I bring them to this event? We recommend you contact your local police department.
• Do I need to remove my name from the pill bottle label? No, this service is anonymous.

Crime Stoppers’ Popular Paper Shredding and Prescription Drug Drop Off Event is April 23
April 04, 2022

Champaign County Crime Stoppers, in partnership with Triad Shredding, will once again offer community members a one-stop opportunity to safely dispose of their personal documents, unwanted prescription drugs, and unused cell phones this spring. This is an important fundraiser for Crime Stoppers, and participant donations will be used to pay out cash rewards for anonymous tips that help solve crimes across Champaign County.

This spring’s event will be held Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in University of Illinois parking Lot E14. This parking lot is at the corner of First and Kirby in Champaign – just west of the State Farm Center. Participants will enter the lot from First Street and follow the marked path to the collection site. Event workers will be on site to guide you.

Crime Stoppers is asking for a small $10 donation to shred up to two bankers boxes of private documents, including: old income tax records, bank statements, pay stubs, medical records, cancelled checks, legal documents, utility bills, etc. Shredding these types of personal documents is an important way to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. All documents that are collected will be transported to Triad Shredding’s secure off-site facility for destruction. At our spring 2021 event, Crime Stoppers collected 7,500 pounds of personal documents to be shredded.

Crime Stoppers is also partnering with the DEA to accept and properly dispose of unneeded prescription medications. Proper disposal of unused prescription drugs helps to prevent pill abuse, overdoses, theft, and also helps protect the environment. Participants can drop off prescription pills and patches, which will be securely transported and incinerated. Liquids, needles, and sharps cannot be accepted. The prescription drug drop-off service is provided free of charge. A uniformed police officer will be on site to collect the medications. Crime Stoppers thanks the Champaign Police Department for their continued support with this important collection. During our spring 2021 collection, Crime Stoppers collected 117 pounds of unwanted prescription drugs in just two hours.

Crime Stoppers and Triad Shredding are also offering to recycle unwanted cell phones for an additional $10 donation. Collected phones will be shredded at Triad Shredding’s off-site facility and the components will be responsibly recycled.

For more information about this event, please visit our website at 373tips.com.

Crime Stoppers Announces Larger Rewards for Tips Solving Homicides and Illegal Gun Crimes
March 02, 2022

Maximum Reward Increased to $5,000

Champaign County Crime Stoppers is announcing a significant increase in the cash rewards paid out for anonymous tips that help solve homicide and felony gun crimes in Champaign County. Crime Stoppers will now pay a $5,000 cash reward for tips that lead to an arrest in a homicide case, and $2,500 for tips leading to an arrest in a felony crime involving a firearm. Crime Stoppers’ previous maximum reward for these types of crimes was $1,000. The ability to raise our rewards is possible thanks to increased donations from the public and a grant from the City of Champaign. The increased rewards go into effect immediately and will be applied to new tips that are approved by the Crime Stoppers Board of Directors starting at their March 31st meeting.

“Champaign County Crime Stoppers wants to continue to be part of the solution and help eliminate the illegal gun crimes that have plagued Champaign County in recent years,” said John Hecker, President of Champaign County Crime Stoppers.  “Our maximum reward had been $1,000 since our nonprofit agency was first established 35 years ago. Thanks to a recent increase in fundraising, and a generous grant from the City of Champaign, I’m pleased to share we can now offer larger rewards that we believe will encourage more people to step forward and help solve these senseless, violent crimes.”

A $5,000 cash reward will be paid for a tip that leads to the arrest of a person who committed a homicide anywhere in Champaign County, regardless of whether or not a firearm was used.  In addition, tips that qualify for Crime Stoppers’ Illegal Gun Bounty Reward Program will now result in a $2,500 cash reward to the tipster. Illegal Gun Bounty Rewards are paid for any tip that leads to the arrest of an individual who used a gun during the commission of a felony crime in Champaign County. Since 2019, the Illegal Gun Bounty Reward Program has been successful in taking 57 illegal weapons off the streets and the arrest of 47 suspects.

Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen said, “The impact of Crime Stoppers in helping to catch and convict those responsible for gun violence in our community is undisputed. The Champaign City Council’s support for this program continues to enhance the City’s partnership with this impactful program.”

Urbana Police Chief Bryant Seraphin added, “Of my 27 ½ years working at the Urbana Police Department, sixteen of those years were spent in the investigations division. Many times, a Crime Stoppers tip was the catalyst to get a case moving forward. I can’t imagine not having a local Crime Stoppers program, and any effort to build on to the program will be a positive use of resources.”

Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous tips from the public by phone (217-373-TIPS), web (373tips.com), and through the free P3 Tips mobile app. Tips are accepted for any criminal activity, whether a homicide, gun crime, "Crime of the Week", wanted fugitive, or any other crime or potential crime the tipster has information about. Learn more about Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 373tips.com.

Champaign County Crime Stoppers’ Announces Youth Scholarship Award Recipient
October 14, 2021

Board Member Kris Fitzpatrick (L) and scholarship winner Jacke Pranada (R)

Champaign County Crime Stoppers is pleased to announce that Jackie Pranada is the 2021 recipient of our organization’s Criminal Justice Scholarship. Ms. Pranada was awarded the $500 scholarship to further her
education at Parkland College where she will pursue a career in criminal justice.

Crime Stoppers’ Popular Paper Shredding and Prescription Drug Drop Off Event Returns October 23
October 05, 2021

Champaign County Crime Stoppers, in association with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Triad Shredding, will once again offer community members a one-stop opportunity to safely dispose of their personal documents, unwanted prescription drugs, and unused cell phones. This is an important fundraiser for Crime Stoppers, and participant donations will be used so we can continue to pay out cash rewards for anonymous tips that help solve crimes across Champaign County.

This fall’s event will be held Saturday, October 23, 2021, from 9-11 a.m. in University of Illinois parking Lot E14. This parking lot is at the corner of First and Kirby in Champaign – just west of the State Farm Center. Participants need to enter the lot from First Street and follow the marked path to the collection site. Event workers will be on site to guide you.

Crime Stoppers is asking for a small $10 donation to shred u

p to two bankers boxes of private documents, including: old income tax records, bank statements, pay stubs, medical records, cancelled checks, legal documents, utility bills, etc. Shredding these types of personal documents is an important way to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. All documents that are collected will be transported to Triad Shredding’s secure off-site facility for destruction. In April 2021, Crime Stoppers collected 7,500 pounds of personal documents to be shredded.

Crime Stoppers is also partnering with the DEA for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 23. This part of our event offers participants an easy way to properly dispose of unneeded prescription medications. Proper disposal of unused prescription drugs helps to prevent pill abuse, overdoses, theft, and also helps protect the environment. Participants can drop off prescription pills and patches which will be securely transported and incinerated. Liquids, needles, and sharps cannot be accepted. The prescription drug drop-off service is provided free of charge. A uniformed police officer will be on site to collect the medications. Crime Stoppers thanks the Champaign Police Department for their continued support with this important collection. During its April 2021 collection event, Crime Stoppers collected 117 pounds of unwanted prescription drugs in just two hours.

Crime Stoppers and Triad Shredding are also offering to recycle unwanted cell phones for an additional $10 donation. Collected phones will be shredded at Triad Shredding’s off-site facility and the components will be responsibly recycled.

Crime Stoppers will

follow public health guidelines to minimize contact between the public and event organizers while the pandemic continues. For the health and safety of everyone, event workers and public participants must wear face masks at the event site. Participants may choose to exit their vehicles and place materials to dispose of on a table or they may allow masked event workers to remove their materials from vehicle trunks or truck beds.

For more information about this event, please visit our website at 373tips.com.. For a list or record retention guidelines, visit bit.ly/RecordsGuidelines.

Crime Stoppers Seeks Public Support to Increase Reward Limit for Illegal Gun Bounty Reward Program
September 20, 2021

• $30,000 in cash rewards have been awarded to tipsters through the Illegal Gun Bounty Program.
• 32 individuals involved in illegal gun crimes have been arrested.
• 35 firearms have been recovered
• Recovery of $3,000 in cash.

My Turn: Protect Our Community Through Crime Stoppers
April 27, 2021

Gunshots ring out in the night. A mother cries uncontrollably over her child’s body. Police investigate, knocking on doors, asking people what they saw, seeking justice for a grieving family.  But all too often witnesses won’t share what they know, leaving criminals free to walk the streets and heartbroken families searching for answers.

In his April 14 article titled “There’s a reason not to snitch,” News-Gazette columnist Jay Simpson seemingly offers that staying quiet is justifiable, saying, “If a situation has nothing to do with you, then you don’t even bother getting involved, even if you saw what happened.”  Simpson explains that “snitching” is unacceptable in some communities and can have negative consequences for those caught sharing information with police. We don’t doubt that retaliation can be a real concern for those seen talking with law enforcement. But there are ways for witnesses to step up and do the right thing without putting themselves in any type of jeopardy.  For 35 years Champaign County Crime Stoppers has provided simple and anonymous ways for people to share information about criminal activity in Champaign County.

We counter Jay Simpson’s premise by suggesting that the notion of “not snitching” be reserved for lesser situations like who scratched dad’s car and not used to protect a criminal who shoots another human being just because they posted something they didn’t like on social media or were otherwise disrespected. For those who understand that to truly be part of a community we all have to watch out for and protect one another from those who seek to harm our community, Crime Stoppers could be the solution.

We realize that many may be unsure of how Crime Stoppers works, or mistakenly believe that Crime Stoppers is a unit of law enforcement.  We’d like to address those misconceptions and explain the great lengths that our local nonprofit, all-volunteer group takes to ensure that anyone providing information to Crime Stoppers is always 100 percent, guaranteed to be kept anonymous.

Since 1986, Champaign County Crime Stoppers has filled an important role as an easy way for residents to share information about criminal activity in their community while assuring the tipster is never identified.  Crime Stoppers provides several convenient ways for community members to share information about crimes in Champaign County without any fear of reprisals or retaliation. Crime tips can be provided via our phone line (217-373-TIPS), our website (373tips.com), or through our free “P3 Tips” mobile app.  Crime Stoppers will never ask for a tipster’s name, our phone lines are not recorded, we don’t use caller ID, and we pay significant fees for various technologies that strip and eliminate every trace of data associated with a phone call or computer IP address. There is absolutely no way for a tipster’s identity to ever be known…by anyone…ever.

We also recognize that in some cases a monetary reward can incentivize people to step forward and share information.  Crime Stoppers has always offered cash rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest of individuals involved in criminal activity in Champaign County.  In early 2019, recognizing an alarming rise in gun-related crime locally, we launched a new program to incentivize people to share information about gun-related crimes.  Now in its third year, the Illegal Gun Bounty Reward Program guarantees our maximum $1,000 cash reward for an anonymous tip that leads to the arrest of a person who used a gun during the commission of a felony crime in Champaign County. In just over two years, the Illegal Gun Bounty Reward Program awarded $24,000 in cash rewards for anonymous tips that resulted in the arrest of 26 individuals charged with gun-related felony crimes and the removal of 32 illegal firearms off our streets. Because of the ongoing success of the program, and thanks to funding support from the Champaign County Community Coalition and the City of Champaign, we’re able to continue providing the program as an incentive to share information about gun-related crimes that continue to harm our sense of community.

It’s no secret that gun violence both nationally and in Champaign County has risen at an alarming rate.  Far too many members of our community, including innocent victims caught in the crossfire, have been killed or injured in these senseless shootings. Law enforcement, elected officials, and community leaders repeatedly ask for the public’s help to solve these crimes.  But when witnesses don’t come forward to share what they know, whether directly to law enforcement or anonymously through Crime Stoppers, they’re letting down and hurting the very community we all know and love.  Champaign County is an amazing place to live, work, visit, and raise a family.  But we have to put the notion of “not snitching” behind us and realize the importance of what it means to be a community, to provide grieving families justice, and to hold those who choose to hurt our community accountable for their actions. 

Crime Stoppers’ Annual Paper Shredding and Prescription Drug Drop Off Event is April 24
April 09, 2021

Crime Stoppers of Champaign County, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with Triad Shredding of Rantoul are offering community members another one-stop opportunity to securely shred old personal documents, safely dispose of unneeded prescription drugs, and responsibly recycle old cell phones. In compliance with public health requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, all three services will be conducted with “no contact” between the public and the event organizers.

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021 - 9 TO 11 A.M.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LOT E14 AT THE CORNER OF FIRST AND KIRBY IN CHAMPAIGN - across from the State Farm Center

DRIVERS ENTER FROM FIRST ST. AND WILL BE DIRECTED TO THE DROP-OFF AREA

In order to maintain the public health “no contact” standards, the following safety procedures will be in place:

• All participants and event workers must wear face masks.
• All participants must remain in their cars and in the traffic line to await further instructions from event workers
• Participants will be asked to get out of their vehicles to place boxes of documents for shredding at a designated place, so boxes need to be light enough for participants to lift.   
• Participants can also leave prescription drugs and cellphones at that same place.

Crime Stoppers is asking for a small donation of $10 to help pay future rewards to tipsters who help solve crimes. Up to two bankers' boxes of private documents will be accepted, which includes old income tax records, bank statements, pay stubs, medical records, cancelled checks, legal documents, utility bills, etc. Please note that shredding is not done at the collection site. Documents will be taken to Triad Shredding’s secure facility for shredding.

At the same event, the DEA is offering an easy way to prevent pill abuse and theft through the National Drug Drop Off Day. People can bring their pills and patches to be incinerated at an off-site location.  We cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps at this event. The prescription drug drop-off service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Triad Shredding will also offer to shred old, unwanted cellphones for proper recycling.    

For more information about this event visit our website at 373tips.com.

Champaign County Crime Stoppers’ Successful Illegal Gun Bounty Reward Program Continuing
April 08, 2021

• 26 individuals arrested
• 32 firearms recovered, including:
  - 24 handguns (one stolen and one with a defaced serial number)
  - 5 rifles (including three semi-automatic, one of which was stolen, another was a short-barrel with a defaced serial number)
  - 3 shotguns (including one sawed-off shotgun)
• $3,000 cash recovered
• 24 rewards approved for a total of $24,000 in cash payouts