Crime Stoppers of Hamilton

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FAQ

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.

Crime Stoppers is a community-based program that allows people to provide information about crime anonymously. We work in partnership with the public, law enforcement, and the media to help prevent and solve crimes while protecting the identity of those who submit tips.
If you have information about a crime, you can submit a secure tip anonymously through our website, by phone, or through our secure mobile app. Your information is forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation.
Yes. When giving information by phone or a secure web tip you are never asked for any information that would identify you, such as name, address, city etc. Your tip information can never be disclosed. A Crime Stoppers tip is protected by rulings of the Supreme Court of Canada. Never tell anyone that you called Crime Stoppers.

Crime Stoppers takes information about any crime. When you call the 1.800.222.TIPS number the call taker will ask about the crime and determine the type. When you report online there will be a list of crimes that you can select.

You will receive a unique tip identification number and password when you submit your information. Keep this information secure, as it allows you to check the status of your tip and receive instructions regarding any approved reward. Crime Stoppers does not know who you are. To claim a reward you must contact Crime Stoppers through the online tip follow up or by calling the tipline at 1.800.222.TIPS(8477)
No. Crime Stoppers does not know who you are because you are anonymous. Your tip is protected from disclosure by rulings of the Supreme Court of Canada. You should never tell anyone that you gave a Crime Stoppers Tip. If asked by law enforcement or legal counsel you are not obliged to disclose that you gave a tip to Crime Stoppers.

When you call Crime Stoppers the call taker will ask you questions about your information. If you provide a secure online tip through the Submit A Tip button tip a form will be used to ask you questions about your information. 

The more detail you can provide, the more helpful your tip may be. Consider including:

  • Who was involved

  • What happened

  • When it occurred

  • Where it took place

  • How the crime was committed

  • Vehicle descriptions or licence plate numbers

  • Names, nicknames, photographs, or other relevant details

  • Only provide information you believe to be true.

Yes. Using your unique tip number you can call the tipline at 1.800.222.TIPS(8477) and ask for the status of your tip. If you provided an online tip you can use your tip number and password, to log back in to the system to receive updates, or determine whether a reward has been approved.

No. Crime Stoppers does not take any information that could identify you and would never ask your age. Anyone with information about a crime can submit a tip through Crime Stoppers.

There are many ways to get involved, including:

  • Making a donation
  • Sponsoring community initiatives
  • Volunteering your time and expertise
  • Participating in fundraising events
  • Helping raise awareness about anonymous reporting in your community
  • Your support helps Crime Stoppers continue to make communities safe

No. Crime Stoppers should not be used for emergencies.
If a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.

Your tip is reviewed for anonymity then forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Investigators assess the information and determine how it may assist ongoing investigations or generate new leads.
Yes. Our secure online reporting system allows you to submit information anonymously from your computer, tablet, or mobile device.

If your anonymous tip leads to an arrest, charges being laid, recovery of stolen property, seizure of illegal drugs, or helps solve a crime, you may be eligible for a cash reward up to $2000. Crime Stoppers does not know who you are. To claim a reward you must contact Crime Stoppers through the online tip follow up or by calling the tipline at 1.800.222.TIPS(8477)

Reward amounts vary depending on the the type of crime, the quality of the information provided and the number of tips received. Rewards up to $2000 must be by the Crime Stoppers Board of Directors.
Crime Stoppers is an incorporated charity and not part of the Police Service. Crime Stoppers does not take any identifying information from individuals who submit tips anonymously.
Depending on the reporting platform used, you may be able to upload photographs, screenshots, videos, or documents that support your tip. Follow the instructions provided during the submission process. Do not send any sexually explicit images or videos because they will be forwarded directly to law enforcement and the sender’s anonymity cannot be assured.These will not be treated as a Crime Stoppers tip and will not be eligible for a reward.”

Yes. Even older information can be valuable to investigators and may help solve cases that remain open or uncover previously unknown criminal activity.

No. Crime Stoppers is an independent, non-profit incorporated charity governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. While we work in partnership with the community, the media and law enforcement to help keep our community safe we operate separately from police service.