a Crime Stoppers Youth Initiative
What is fearnot
How it operates
Crime Stoppers is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting a secure online tip. Every tipster receives a unique code number to check the status of their information while remaining completely anonymous.
If your tip leads to an arrest or other positive outcome, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000. Your identity is never revealed, you will never be required to testify in court, and your anonymity is protected by rulings of the Supreme Court of Canada.
Why it works
Crime Stoppers is built on a simple but powerful belief: when a crime is committed, someone other than the offender knows what happened. Someone saw something. Someone heard something. Someone knows something.
For more than 50 years, Crime Stoppers has empowered people to share that information safely and anonymously. By guaranteeing anonymity, ensuring tipsters are never required to testify in court, and offering rewards for information that helps solve crimes, Crime Stoppers has become one of the most effective community-based crime prevention programs in the world.
YOUTH CRIME IS
ON THE RISE.
It’s a fact. Young people are involved in crime. Young people are victims of crime. So it makes sense that young people have crime tips. It could be someone at school carrying bear spray or an illegal weapon. A friend involved in cyber crime or another leading someone into human trafficking. Youth crime is a fact so it’s important to have a program that speaks to a younger demographic. They have certain pressures associated with growing up. Peer pressure or fear of bullying can play a huge factor in how things are handled.
Common youth crimes include:
- Bear Spray
- Distraction Theft
- Smash & Grabs
- Property Theft
- Home Invasions
- Illegal Firearms
- Auto Theft
fearnot is safe, secure and anonymous. You’ll never have to give your name. You’ll never have to testify in court. You will never be contacted. You may receive a cash reward.
We are a charitable organization run by a volunteer community board and work in partnership with the community, media and law enforcement agencies. We are financed solely through personal and corporate donations. Crime Stoppers encourages the public to submit tips on crimes that have been committed, are being committed or are about to be committed.
Attention Graduating High School Students!
Crime Stoppers of Hamilton
fearnot youth leadership in community safety scholarship for Graduating High School
students in Hamilton Ontario.
Application Deadline:
JULY 30, 2026
Community Partners
Frequently Asked Question
Have questions about how Crime Stoppers Hamilton works? From the moment you submit a tip to the day a reward is issued, we prioritize your anonymity and the safety of our city. Explore our most common inquiries below to learn more about our process and your role in crime prevention.
What is fearnot?
Answer: FearNot is a youth-focused anonymous reporting platform that helps young people safely share information about crime, bullying, violence, online threats, and other community concerns without revealing their identity. Inspired by the Crime Stoppers model, fearnott is designed specifically for younger generations. fearnot was founded in Hamilton, Ontario.
Is fearnot anonymous?
Answer: Yes. fearnot is built around anonymity. Users are never required to provide their name, address, school, or personal contact information when submitting a report. Anonymous reporting helps remove the fear of retaliation and encourages people to speak up.
Why was fearnot created?
Answer: Many young people witness harmful behavior but stay silent because they fear being labeled a “snitch” or becoming a target. fearnot was created to give young people a safe, trusted way to share information and help make their schools and communities safer.
Does fearnot replace emergency services?
Answer: No. fearnot is not intended for emergencies. If someone is in immediate danger or a crime is actively occurring, users should contact emergency services right away. Anonymous reporting services are best suited for sharing information about ongoing concerns or suspected criminal activity.
Who can use fearnot?
Answer: Anyone can submit information through fearnot. Whether you’re a student, young worker, athlete, gamer, or community member, your voice matters.
What kinds of issues can be reported?
Answer: fearnot accepts information about bullying, cyberbullying, threats, violence, vandalism, drug activity, theft, gang involvement, hate incidents, online exploitation, and other crime activities that may harm individuals or communities.
How can one report through fearnot?
Answer: Reports can be submitted through the fearnot website page, mobile devices, or other approved digital channels. The process is simple, confidential, and designed to be accessible to young users.Users can also call 1 800 222 TIPS (8477). The line operates 24/7.
How does fearnot help communities?
Answer: FearNot empowers young people to become positive community leaders. By safely sharing information, users can help prevent harm, support investigations, protect friends and family, and contribute to safer schools, neighborhoods, and online spaces. Anonymous community reporting programs have helped solve crimes and improve public safety in Hamilton Ontario.