SCSO teams with Crimestoppers to reduce crime

Sheriff Greg Champagne is turning up the heat on criminal activity even more. A partnership with the Crimestoppers organization offers rewards up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of offenders.

"We have seen the crime rate in St. Charles Parish fall consistently over the past six years," the Sheriff said. "Even though there was an 8% drop between 2001 and 2003, producing a six-year low in our total crime numbers, I believe there is still room for improvement, especially in the area of property crime."

With the new effort, Sheriff Champagne said he hopes to target auto break-ins and thefts. "It is unfortunate that some individuals must be paid to report crime, but it is a necessary evil if we are to garner even more success in this constant battle," he said.

Crimestoppers generates funding via a $2 court assessment on each case, as authorized by state legislation. Currently, about 50 law enforcement agencies in Louisiana utilize the program.

The Sheriff's Office is actively seeking tipsters to report on criminal activity via the Crimestoppers toll-free hotline. Citizens can call in thefts, robberies or other crimes and, if the information leads to an arrest and indictment, the caller can be eligible for a cash reward.

Callers can anonymously provide information to Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111 or, toll-free, at 1-877-903-STOP.

You do not have to give your name. Callers will be given a numerical code and, after the arrest and prosecution of the crime is verified by the SCSO, the reporting individual can then receive the reward.

"I am confident this new tool will assist us in protecting our citizens from criminal activity and will bring more perpetrators to justice," Sheriff Champagne said.

For additional information on the Crimestoppers program, call Executive Director Darlene Cusanza at (504) 837-8477 or contact Sheriff Champagne's office.

Crimestoppers serves Orleans and the surrounding seven River Parishes, including St. Charles, St. James and St. John.