COLUMBIA, SC — Steadily collecting tips – some anonymous, some not – and paying for information that leads to captures and convictions, Crime Stoppers has reached its 30th birthday in South Carolina.

Since its inception in 1982, the program has received 90,344 tips and helped clear 24,725 cases, many in the 16-county Midlands unit, according to information shared by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

To commemorate those successes, a gathering of law enforcement, volunteers, crime victims gathered Thursday at the SC Bank and Trust building downtown.

The program’s mission is to give people with knowledge of crimes a way to share that information with law enforcement without fear of reprisal. For some tipsters, participation can pay off. The program has paid out a total of $1.2 million to people with useful tips.

About $6.3 million worth of stolen property has been recovered through Crime Stoppers tips, and nearly $16 million worth of narcotics has been seized.

Using Crime Stoppers

Phone: 1-888-CRIME-SC (274-6372)

Web: midlandscrimestoppers.com

Twitter: @midlandcstopper

Text: Send “TIPSC” + your message to CRIMES (274637)

Kelly Davis