Got A Tip That Leads To A Gang-Related Arrest? Get More Cash
DENVER (CBS4) - The Denver Police Department has launched a new social media campaign in an effort to solve a series of violent crimes in northeast Denver.
Mayor Michael Hancock and Police Chief Robert White on Wednesday announced they're also doubling the Crime Stoppers reward from $2,000 to $4,000 for tips that lead to arrests in gang violence.
Denver police currently have a lot of unsolved crimes and are reporting nearly 20 gang-related homicides so far this year. They describe the current situation with gang violence as one of the most violent stretches for the city.
More patrols have already been designated in areas that are at the center of gang issues. And more recourse has been added to investigations.
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Police say what is truly needed to end the cycle of violence is informants, citing several homicides were witnesses were on the scene, but gave bad descriptions or none at all. They need good witnesses to come forward.
Hancock hopes doubling the Crime Stoppers reward will be just the kind of incentive needed to close unsolved cases.
"Let us help you send a message to those striking fear into our homes that Denver values the life of every person in our community," Hancock said. "You matter and we can help. We simply need folks to come forward to help us to solve these crimes."
"We're reaching out to the community, if they see of hear anything, regardless of how insignificant it may be, as it relates to crimes in our community, specifically the recent uptick in gang activities," White said.
The city has also now fully installed the 15 HALO cameras that were given by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. They've been placed over some of the city's most notorious areas for violence in hopes that some crimes can be solved without the help of an eyewitness.
Additional Information From The Denver Police Department
Anyone with information is asked to call Denver police at (720) 913-2000. Remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-STOP (7867). Text to CRIMES (274637) then title DMCS and enter the message or send an e-mail to metro-denvercrimestoppers.com.
