Michiana Crime Stoppers raises payment to $2,500 for homicide tips

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – Michiana Crime Stoppers is giving people more money to help solve their crimes anonymously. Effective immediately, tips that lead to the resolution of a homicide are eligible for a reward of up to $2,500.

As most law enforcement often say, solving a crime takes an entire community.

For South Bend Police Lt. Kayla Miller, Michiana Crime Stoppers also needs some anonymous advice.

“You have the opportunity to be a hero in our community and be able to speak out against the violence that is happening,” says Miller, who is also coordinator of Michiana Crime Stoppers.

But with the submission of an anonymous tip, which leads to the resolution of a homicide, comes a reward.

“Historically, it’s been a 1,000 reward,” Miller says.

But after careful consideration, Miller said officials voted to more than double the homicide tip reward payment to $2,500 in an effort to help solve more crimes.

“It was a way for Michiana Crime Stoppers to decide that hey we’re going to do more and I guess put our money where our mouth is and increase that because it’s important for us to help law enforcement and help our communities,” says Miller.

All advice, as Miller explains, is anonymous from start to finish. No name, address, phone or ID is needed. No caller ID or IP address is tracked.

However, what is important to keep handy after submitting a tip is the tip number and password that each tipster receives.

“There will be a code for you when you submit your information. It is crucial that you keep this information. This information is so important because it gives you a tip ID and the password for your tip,” says Miller.

Most importantly, tip number and password are the only two pieces of information required if your anonymous tip becomes eligible to receive a reward. In order to find out if you become eligible, tipsters must call Michiana Crime Stoppers or log into their online account.

“At the end of the day, it’s not always about the money…but sometimes it is and we also give people a way to feel valued and have their voices heard,” says Miller. .

Since its inception in 1983, Michiana Crime Stoppers has helped solve more than 10,930 cases, including 108 homicides, and has paid out more than $1.1 million in rewards.

To submit an anonymous online tip to Michiana Crime Stoppers, click here.

People can also submit an anonymous tip by calling Michiana Crime Stoppers at 574-288-STOP.

For more information on tips, rewards, or to access the Michiana Crime Stoppers website, click here.

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