About
Our mission is to deter, reduce, and help solve crimes by paying cash rewards for anonymous tips leading to an arrest, through partnerships with law enforcement and media within the valley. All rewards are donated to Valley Crime Stoppers from corporate and individual sponsors throughout the Central Valley.
VALLEY CRIME STOPPERS STATS
since 1993
13,217
Total Arrests
649
Homicide Arrests
903
spousal abuse arrests
712
ROBBERY Arrests
281
School arrests
When a young college student, Michael Carmen, was shot to death during a robbery at an Albuquerque, New Mexico gas station in July 1976, Detective Greg MacAleese had no idea who was responsible for the killing.
No witnesses came forward and unless MacAleese thought of something innovative to get the public to help solve the murder, the crime would remain a mystery. He came up with the idea of making a video re-enactment of the homicide, giving guaranteed anonymity to anyone who was willing to call him with information, and putting up a reward from his own pocket.
At that time Albuquerque had one of the highest per capita crime rates in the country and people were afraid to help the police—but MacAleese’s plan worked. Within a few hours after the video was broadcast on TV, he received a phone call.
With the help of the anonymous tip, MacAleese and a team of detectives arrested two men within 72 hours and charged them with the murder of Carmen and a string of armed robberies.
Afterwards, MacAleese received other tips, including one that allowed police to solve the rape of a young woman. Realizing that this type of program was useful in fighting crime, MacAleese convinced the Albuquerque Police Department to allow a group of citizens to establish the first Crime Stoppers program, earning MacAleese the title of U.S. Police Officer of the Year and helping lower Albuquerque’s crime rate.
What is Crime Stoppers?
Valley Crime Stoppers is a sponsor-based non-profit organization that supports law enforcement by offering a safe and anonymous way for individuals to report criminal activity. Callers and online tipsters are eligible to receive a cash reward if the information given comes through Crime Stoppers, is anonymous, and leads to an arrest.
How successful is Crime Stoppers?
Crime Stoppers has led to over 13,000 arrests and paid out nearly $2,000,000 in rewards over the last 30 years.
How long has Crime Stoppers been around?
Valley Crime Stoppers in Fresno County began in 1993 when a group of five local individuals came together and put up their own money for the rewards that would go toward getting arrests.
Is Crime Stoppers a nonprofit?
Central Valley Crime Stoppers is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization.
How can I donate to Crime Stoppers?
Donate online at valleycrimestoppers.org – head to our Donate tab!
What are donations used for?
100% of donations are used as reward money paid out by the program for anonymous tips that lead to arrests.
How can I submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers?
Call 498-STOP, text VALLEY to 738477, or visit valleycrimestoppers.org.
Through Crime Stoppers’ School Program, students who step forward with anonymous tips leading to arrests are eligible for cash awards.
Most students want to do the right thing to keep their schools and neighborhoods safe, but sometimes fear what will happen if they share information. The Campus Crime Stoppers Program offers the safety of complete anonymity while promoting responsibility and allowing students to take action against victimization and crime.
When to Call
- You overhear someone bragging about having committed a crime.
- You know someone who is driving a stolen car, hiding from the police, or is a robber or drug dealer.
- You just see something that doesn’t look right. A strange car. A person acting sneaky. Someone with a gun or knife.
If you aren’t sure that what you saw or heard is really a crime, call anyway. Let the police decide if it’s worth investigating. It may be a clue to a big crime. You will always be anonymous.