The CrimeStoppers program was originated in Albuquerque by concerned residents in September 1976. Today, there are nearly 1,200 CrimeStoppers programs in the United States. The program in Durango was established in April 1978 and was the first in Colorado.
All of us are affected by crime. You may not have been a victim of crime, but you almost certainly have been affected by it. The cost of crime on an individual and the burden to society is high. Be it burglary, stolen car or assault – we all have to pay. Insurance premiums, replacement cars or goods, and emotional and physical pain are just some of the costs incurred.
January is Crime Stoppers Month. Show your support of our community crime-fighting organization with donations to the reward fund and by giving tips. Donations can be mailed, or you can call in and request to speak with someone about making a donation.
We all want to live in a community free of crime. You can do something about it, and that’s where the Durango-La Plata CrimeStoppers can help. The information you have may help solve a crime or prevent one from occurring. It could be the piece of the puzzle that police are looking for, or it could be new information that police are unaware of. It does not matter how trivial you may think it is, it may be important to an investigation.
In 2014, CrimeStoppers received a total of 113 tips from residents and paid $2,400 for tips that led to arrests and resolution of cases. Some of these cases were drug-related, and many of them were tips that led to the capture of fugitives in La Plata County. One group of fugitives was arrested for several felony warrants in relation to illegal-weapons charges and smuggling. All of these tips helped law enforcement make our community safer.
CrimeStoppers is currently offering a $50,500 cash reward for information leading to the whereabouts or arrest of the person or people involved in the disappearance of Dylan Redwine, a 13-year-old boy missing from Vallecito Lake on November 19, 2012.
Remember, if you see something or if you hear something, please, say something. Together, we can make a difference.
Lt. Ray Shupe is assistant operations division commander with the Durango Police Department.
How to help
If you know someone involved in criminal activity, call CrimeStoppers.
If you have any information about crimes or people involved in crimes in Durango or La Plata County, you are urged to call CrimeStoppers 24 hours a day at 247-1112. You may also submit your tip by cellphone text message. Text 274637 (CRIMES), begin your message with our agency ID – TIPSTER – followed by your text message. You do not need to give your name, and you may be eligible for a substantial cash reward.
Send donations to Durango-La Plata CrimeStoppers Inc., P.O. Box 1382, Durango, CO 81302
Visit www.DurangoLaPlataCrimeStoppers.org
