The leader of London-Middlesex Crime Stoppers warns that the volunteer-driven organization may not last much longer without a steady stream of funding.
According to board president Lloyd Stacey, donations have fallen, making it tough for the anonymous tipline to stay afloat as he actively seeks new donors.
“It’s a very real risk that there won’t be a London-Middlesex Crime Stoppers if we can’t get our funding stabilized,” he said.
“We need to secure sustainable, consistent funding without wondering if we’re going to be able to pay our bills or holding off paying a bill. That happens a lot and we need to get past it.”
The program is one of over 100 across Canada that allow individuals to anonymously provide tips that assist police in solving local crimes. In some instances, tipsters may also qualify for monetary rewards paid out by the non-profit organization.
In 2025, London-Middlesex Crime Stoppers received around 1,450 tips, which Stacey noted amounts to about four tips daily. That information aided police in resolving 50 cases, showcasing its cost-effective role in supporting law enforcement.
“Everything from getting guns off the street, getting drugs off the street, human trafficking, domestic violence, all of that gets covered there.”
![]()
The London-Middlesex Crime Stoppers program is among more than 100 across Canada that allow people to anonymously report tips to help police solve crimes in communities. (Submitted by Tim Rudow)
Crime Stoppers is a registered charity funded through donations and relies entirely on its ten-member volunteer board. Last year, it managed approximately $18,000 in funding with $16,000 allocated for expenses.
As of early April, the organization has raised $2,900 but is already facing a shortfall of $1,500 so far this year, according to Stacey.
“Charities everywhere are facing a challenge trying to meet their financial obligations and Crime Stoppers is no different. Companies that have supported us in the past have continued but they’ve had to scale down and that’s created a gap.”
Stacey shared these concerns with the London Police Service Board (LPSB) last Thursday while requesting assistance through annual donations or fundraisers. He pointed out that 40 percent of Crime Stoppers groups in other municipalities receive support from police services.
His data indicated that tips sent through Crime Stoppers helped recover $86,000 worth of property and led to seizing $20,000 worth of narcotics last year for London police.
The partnership between both organizations is crucial and works effectively together; Deputy Chief Paul Bastien told the board on Thursday.
“It gives us a bit of reach and gives an opportunity to people who might not be willing to come forward and be a witness or provide information through another means.”
![]()
London police recovered $86,000 worth of property and seized $20,000 in narcotics last year thanks to tips sent through Crime Stoppers according to data provided by the head of London-Middlesex Crime Stoppers. (Alessio Donnini/)
Source link
A connection between law enforcement and community
Tim Rudow has volunteered with London-Middlesex Crime Stoppers for about two years now mainly focusing on fundraising and networking efforts. He was drawn toward this organization because he sees how it helps solve more crimes effectively.> “Crime can hit anyone at any given time whether you’re well off or a vulnerable person,” he said.> “When you can see the tips come in and you see that this is the tip which resulted in an arrest it’s really satisfying.”> Rudow mentioned that support for Crime Stoppers can extend beyond just financial contributions including long-term partnerships for event hosting as well as help with fundraising initiatives like raffles and prizes.> “It’s really just anything that we can use to make something helpful. I think reliability and stability are key factors over time,” said Rudow.> The LPSB has tasked its finance committee with looking into ways they can offer consistent support for Crime Stoppers.Source link
