Regina Crime Stoppers saw increase in tips, arrests, charges in 2024

It was another busy year for Regina Crime Stoppers in 2024.

On top of the organization celebrating it’s 40th anniversary, it also saw a jump in statistics.

Regina Crime Stoppers received more tips (832), made more arrests (26), laid more charges (34), provided more rewards ($12,930) and recovered more property ($7,500) in 2024 than it did in 2023.

Kevin Bassendowski, president of Regina Crime Stoppers, said these numbers speak to a safer Regina.

“Every tip that’s reported, everybody’s doing a little bit of their job, and it’s nice to see people are actively involved in trying to make their community a little safer,” he said.

Regina Crime Stoppers saw increases in many of its numbers in 2024. (Regina Police Service/Submitted)

While the numbers are positive, Bassendowski said there’s always room for improvement.

“$12 million of property, drugs and cash recovered (since 1984) is an amazing number, and an amazing legacy, and we can only hope that there’s more in the future,” he said.

Read more:

• $50,000 reward offered for tips leading to arrest of murder suspect
• Regina Crime Stoppers celebrates 40th anniversary
• Crime severity up in Regina, but ranking among cities is lower

In 2024, Regina Crime Stoppers approved 30 rewards, adding up to $12,930. However, only nine of the 30 rewards were paid out, leaving more than $10,000 unclaimed.

Crime Stoppers reminded people who submit tips to follow up to see if they are eligible for a reward.

“What the number tells me is that people are not necessarily motivated by the monetary value,” Bassendowski said. “They’re motivated by making their community in Regina a little bit safer.”

He also reminds people that Crime Stoppers is looking for tips that will lead to the arrest of Daniel Atem, who is wanted for the murder of Roman Miller.

The BOLO progam and the Regina Police Service announced a $50,000 reward for information on the case, and the reward is available until June 3.

Police Chief Farooq Sheikh said he’s worked all around the world but has never felt a community spirit like Regina’s. (Nicole Garn/980 CJME)

Regina Police Chief Farooq Sheikh said he’s proud of the police force’s collaboration with Crime Stoppers over the last 40 years.

“(It’s a) phenomenal, phenomenal volunteer agency that helps us act on information, on tips,” he said. “Any collaboration in partnership helps us reduce crime.”

When he saw the numbers for the year, the police chief said he was impressed but not surprised, as the strong relationship between Crime Stoppers and the police is a recipe for success.

“They work with other agencies across Canada, and they say the relationship with us is second to none,” Sheikh said.

“We work alongside each other, and the fact that we’ve got a dedicated officer working with them permanently makes it even better.”

Sheikh said Regina has a strong sense of community, and people feel confident coming forward to share information.

“As a result of that, I think that’s having a positive impact towards tackling crime.”

Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski said he was proud to proclaim January as International Crime Stoppers Awareness Month. (Nicole Garn/980 CJME)

Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski said the numbers show Crime Stoppers has a proven track record of helping to solve crimes and keep the community safe.

“(I’m) incredibly proud of the work that they’re doing as a community organization,” he said.

He said he hopes to continue that positive collaboration in the future, as the City of Regina provides funding and support to Regina Crime Stoppers.

Crime Stoppers runs a 1-800 line, a website and an app where people can anonymous submit tips about crime, and the organization takes the anonymity aspect very seriously.

Crime Stoppers then gives the tips to the Regina Police Service, which can follow up and investigate. The tips are each assigned a number and if a tip results in an apprehension or conviction, the person offering the information will receive a monetary reward of up to $2,000.

Since its inception, Regina Crime Stoppers has received 26,948 tips, which have led to 2,355 arrests and 4,240 cases cleared. Over $12.2 million dollars in drugs and stolen property have also been seized and recovered thanks to those tips.

Crime Stoppers has also provided $306,466 in rewards in the Queen City.