April 27, 1999
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Partnership formed with Crime Stoppers aimed at reducing crimes against wildlife, forestry and other natural resources

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, today announced an agreement between the department and Newfoundland and Labrador Crime Stoppers.

The purpose of this agreement is to form a partnership between the groups to make an effort to reduce the amount of crime against wildlife, forestry and other natural resources.

Until recently, the province relied on and funded a telephone tips line - Operation Sport - in order to encourage and support the involvement of private citizens in reporting of illegal hunting activities. Operation Sport had evolved into an information line and was not longer effective as a deterrent to poaching. It was not designed for the reporting of forestry offences.

Minister Aylward said: "The agreement between the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods and Newfoundland and Labrador Crime Stoppers will encourage the public to call Crime Stoppers to report any illegal activities as they relate to hunting, fishing, forestry and other related natural resources offences.

"Crime Stoppers has a proven track record in reducing crime in Newfoundland and Labrador and across the country. The department is pleased to be forming this alliance to help reduce crimes against our wildlife, forestry and other related natural resources. This is a joint effort between the department, the community, the media and the provincial law enforcement agencies, the RCMP and the RNC, to pursue and apprehend offenders. This team can now work together and protect the province's wildlife and forests."

Crime Stoppers is a community-driven program to help solve crime. Newfoundland and Labrador Crime Stoppers was launched in November of 1992 and is modelled after other successful Crime Stoppers programs across the country and around the world. It was formed by the community with help and direction from the RCMP and RNC. The program is designed to provide local enforcement agencies with another investigative tool in their fight against crime in this province.

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, (709) 729-6183.

1999 04 27 4:45 p.m.