Crime Stoppers increasing cash awards to extinguish firebugs

Winnipeg Crime Stoppers is boosting cash rewards for arson tips through the end of the year as part of a public-awareness campaign aimed at curbing firebugs.

The chair of the local organization, Rob MacKenzie, said Thursday rising arsons in Winnipeg are putting pressure on firefighters and police, as well as property owners and the broader community.

“It’s not just about damaged buildings, it’s about lost safety, lost stability and lives put at risk,” he said.

The maximum potential payout for anonymous tips remains $2,000, he said, but arson-related tips will be considered for an increased payout until the end of 2025.

The local non-profit first increased cash rewards for arson tips earlier this month, but have since decided to do so through the end of the year.

MacKenzie said, for example, a tip about a small garage fire that would have in the past paid out a few hundred dollars will be paid out double that amount.

Tipsters whose information leads to an arrest or significant breakthrough in an arson investigation may get a larger cash reward, which they collect anonymously.

Payout amounts are considered by a Crime Stoppers committee. The committee members take into account whether arrests were made and the severity of the crime being reported.

Crime Stoppers is running a social media campaign called “Let’s ignite the fight against arson” to raise awareness about the issue.

MacKenzie said Crime Stoppers hopes to urge more residents to submit anonymous tips about arsons and people busting into vacant buildings.

Crime Stoppers, which doesn’t ask for names or require people to testify in court, can be reached at 204-786-TIPS (8477) or online.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca