Thirty-one criminals are not celebrating the fact that Crime Stoppers Atlanta marks its first anniversary today. That’s the number of arrests made during the organization’s first year of operation.  The Atlanta Police Foundation, Atlanta Police Chief Richard J. Pennington, Clayton County Police and others were on hand to celebrate the event today.
 "Crime Stoppers Atlanta has experienced early and significant success,” remarked Atlanta Police Foundation CEO, Dave Wilkinson.  "Crime Stoppers is a proven international model and the Atlanta business community through the Atlanta Police Foundation stepped up to bring this program to Atlanta a year ago.  And this is only the beginning.  Community awareness of and support for the program is growing daily and we expect to more than double the impact of Crime Stoppers in 2008." 
 
In total, the program led to the arrest of 31 criminals, including 10 homicide suspects and 11 robbery suspects.  In total, the 682 tips received by Crime Stoppers helped clear 64 cases, including 47 cases from the Atlanta Police Department.

“Crime Stoppers works,” said Atlanta Police Chief Richard J. Pennington.  “It provides a perfect avenue for anyone – including those who don’t want to be identified – to give us information to help get perpetrators off the streets and bring closure to victims of crime.”
 
One of the highest profile arrests made through Crime Stoppers was the apprehension of the two men charged with the murder of nine-year-old Annaijh Rolax who was struck and killed by an errant bullet on July 25 in her home.  Crime Stoppers received a call that aided police in their investigation and subsequent arrests.
 
In total, almost $21,000 in reward money was approved for dispersal to tipsters in 2007.
 
The public is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers with information about any crime in the metro Atlanta area.  Callers remain anonymous and can qualify for a cash reward up to $2,000.