KAUZ-TV: NewsChannel 6 Now | Wichita Falls, TXCrime Stoppers On Track For Record Year

Crime Stoppers On Track For Record Year

Texomans help police solve cases through area Crime Stoppers programs.

In Wichita Falls, Crime Stoppers is on track for a record year in cases solved, which means a record in rewards paid.
  
Crime Stoppers is getting more successful, but that success is posing a bit of a problem.

"Almost a quarter of the money we spent out last year, we've (already) spent out just (before) the first part of March this year."

The program has paid out more than $11,000 in reward money in the first few months of this year.

"Which is a good problem to have; I wouldn't even call it a problem."

The spike in reward payments is tied to a rise in tips, but Crime Stoppers board President Ken Coughlin wants to keep the program, and the money, flowing.

Ken Coughlin, Crime Stoppers, said, "As far as the money used to pay out--these rewards--that's always been from our citizens, and we appreciate it because it has kept our program going and it is one of the finest in the entire world, actually."

A world class program--funded by Texomans. Crime Stoppers does not get any funding from tax dollars. Overhead expenses like phone bills are covered by a small state grant, and the Wichita Falls Police Department donates staff and office space, but the reward money comes mostly from donations, and all money donated is used for rewards.

"But we do not want to let those funds run low and so we want to be proactive and tell our citizens if you can support us, now is the time because we are on track to have a record year."

Through Crime Stoppers, more than $73,000 in drugs and more than $70,000 in seized property has been taken off the streets so far this year.