Sharlene Bosma thanks Crime Stoppers

Halton Crime Stoppers celebrated a milestone this evening. The organization has been helping local police solve crimes for 25 years now through its anonymous tip line. And during tonight’s celebrations Tim Bosma’s widow Sharlene gave an emotional speech about the instrumental role Crime Stoppers played in the search for her husband.

When Ancaster’s Tim Bosma disappeared this May, his wife Sharlene and other family and friends immediately began a campaign to find him. Simultaneously, Crime Stoppers created and distributed thousands of missing persons posters.

“We did not think to ask for them and yet they were there on the first day. Those missing persons posters helped imprint Tim’s face on the minds of people all across the province and beyond.”

Speaking at Halton Crime Stoppers’ 25th anniversary celebration, Bosma says knowing the organization collected anonymous tips in the search for her husband helped to sustain hope during that dark time.

“I urge you to not underestimate the value that the crime stoppers services provide to families like mine in times that are desperate, emotional and what can be devastating.”

Since its creation in 1988, Halton Crime Stoppers has helped police make over 1,000 arrests, recover nearly $20 million in money and assets and has paid $54,000 in rewards.

Halton police chief Stephen Tanner: “Thousands of crimes per year across Ontario are solved as a direct result because of Crime Stoppers, because of tips that are called in.”

Halton has been named the safest regional municipality in Canada. Its Crime Stoppers branch receives 600 tips per year.

Norm Bellefontaine, chair of Halton Crime Stoppers: “I’d like to think that crime stoppers has been one of the tools in the tool kit that has kept the region to be a nice place to live.”

And for those like Sharlene Bosma who found themselves in need, Crime Stoppers is an invaluable service.

“I just wanted to say thank you to all of you here for stepping in when I needed you most.”

Crime Stoppers is a not-for-profit organization. Sharlene Bosma has set up her own charity in honour of her late husband’s memory, called Tim’s Tribute. At tonight’s event she said she has a new appreciation for the volunteers who donate their time.