January is National Crime Stoppers Month and thousands of local chapters of the organization — including the Bee County Crime Stoppers — are celebrating that event.

The organization was founded in 1976 and since then more than 478,000 felons have been apprehended and more than $4 billion in stolen property, money and illegal drugs have been recovered.

Volunteer board members have approved the payment of $72 million in rewards to people who have provided tips that led to the arrests and or recovery of property.

“We all have to share the responsibility of combating crime in our neighborhoods,” said Tom Kern, Crime Stoppers USA chairman.

“Understandably, many people fear the criminals who are out there victimizing people every day. That is why Crime Stoppers is such a great tool for the community to use to fight crime. Anyone of the many people who see or know a criminal could be the one calling and giving the anonymous information that leads to their arrest. Crime Stoppers cannot tell anyone who the tipsters is because they don’t know. Everyone wins — except the criminals.”

Crime Stoppers USA is recognized at the national representative of Crime Stoppers programs throughout the nation by Crime Stoppers International.

The goal is to forge closer relationships with local Crime Stoppers programs and the United States Marshals operating in district offices throughout the country. U.S. Marshal Service Director John Clark said his service and local programs of Crime Stoppers USA share a common goal.

“We are committed to identifying, locating and stopping the criminals that prey on our society. These individuals are responsible for diminishing the quality of live across our great country. Sadly, at a time when our neighborhoods need everyone to come forward and get involved, we are seeing messages discouraging our young citizens from giving the valuable information that may deter serious crimes and even save innocent lives. In celebration of Crime Stoppers Month, I am pleased to announce that I am committed to building stronger partnerships between the United States Marshals Service and the local programs of Crime Stoppers USA.”

Today, hundreds of local Crime Stoppers programs offer cash rewards of up to $1,000 and anonymity to those who provide tips leading to the arrest and grand jury indictment of criminals. Funds used for the rewards are raised through donations from businesses and citizens.

The Bee County Crime Stoppers can be reached at 362-0206.