ROCKINGHAM – You may have already seen the shiny silver Ford Explorer around Richmond County at events like the July 4th Fireworks in Hamlet, or parked in front of Champion Ford on Highway 74 in Rockingham.
Richmond County Crime Stoppers will use the 2014 Explorer, with logos by Johnny and Patrick Coltrane of Coltrane Signs in Ellerbe (910-652-4747), as “a rolling billboard” around the county to publicize the phone number that can receive anonymous tips about crime without fear of personal retaliation.
That number is 910-997-5454, and is emblazoned across the hood, both sides, and back of the SUV. More logos will be added soon, such as Hamlet Police Department, Rockingham Police Department, and Richmond County Sheriff’s Department.
Crime Stoppers Board of Directors Chairman Jeff Avant, his wife Gwen Avant, Vice-Chairman Scotty Baldwin, and former officer of the local chapter Chuck Cobb were on hand Tuesday afternoon, July 31, with Champion Ford’s owner Reggie Robinson, to talk about the new partnership. Lottie Featherston and Dorothy Cain also serve as officers of this volunteer organization.
The Richmond County chapter was founded locally in 2000, and its mission is “To assist law enforcement in providing a safer environment” for the citizens of Richmond County, as well as the surrounding areas.
“The Crime Stoppers vehicle will be displayed at sporting events, in parades, at community events, and throughout the county, to promote awareness of the service,” stated Jeff Avant. He explained that when a report of illegal activity is made through this phone number, it does not track the caller’s location or phone number. If an arrest is made following the tip, the facts of the case will be reviewed by the board and the tipster will receive a cash reward, in correlation to the severity of the charge and the crime.
A code is given to the tipster which corresponds to a check left with a bank, thus keeping the identity of the tipster private. Rewards vary from $50 up, dependent upon whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. Avant says that currently, Crime Stoppers averages about 30 tips a month, but that an increase in tips may occur with the new vehicle out and about.
Crime Stoppers is a 501c(3) organization, and donations are considered tax deductible. The Richmond County group is primarily reliant on dues from its members, grants, and donations from the public. They also hold fundraisers and raffles; right now they are selling tickets for a Holland Grill for $5. You can call (910) 995-5674 or (910) 995-5893 for ticket information.
Chuck Cobb added, “The tip line is for people who want to do the right thing, but don’t want to testify in court, or reveal their identity.” So remember the number for Crime Stoppers—(910) 997-5454 … If you see something going on in your neighborhood, or wherever you may be in Richmond County, if you know it is illegal, and you want to report it. Be a good citizen, help reduce the crime rate, and make Richmond County a safer place to live!
