Crime Stoppers Capital Region is reminding residents that anonymous tips remain one of the most effective tools for solving crimes across the Baton Rouge area. During Mornings with Brian Haldane on Talk 107.3, Lt. Don Coppola explained how the Crime Stoppers process protects tipsters while helping law enforcement identify suspects and make arrests.
Crime Stoppers accepts tips through three methods: by phone at 344-STOP (7867), through the P3 Tips mobile app, and online at CrimeStoppers225.com. Each tipster receives a unique tip number that serves as their identity throughout the process. Crime Stoppers does not collect caller ID information and does not know the identity of tipsters.
If a tip leads to the identification or arrest of a suspect, the tipster may qualify for a cash reward. Coppola said Crime Stoppers uses a secure process that allows recipients to collect reward money anonymously through a local bank. The organization has operated in the Baton Rouge area for 43 years without compromising a tipster’s identity.
The discussion also highlighted Crime Stoppers’ Beyond Bars program, which shares real-life stories from formerly incarcerated individuals to help young people avoid making life-altering decisions. Coppola said the program continues to expand its outreach through community organizations and educational groups.
Crime Stoppers is also seeking help identifying a suspect accused of access device fraud and theft. According to Coppola, the suspect allegedly used a victim’s stolen credit card to make approximately $900 in fraudulent purchases at a department store near the Mall of Louisiana.
With hurricane season underway, Coppola urged residents to regularly monitor bank and credit card accounts for suspicious activity. He also encouraged people to remove wallets, credit cards, and other personal information from vehicles to reduce the risk of theft and identity fraud.