Caddo-Shreveport Crime Stoppers is bringing back its “End the Silence, Stop the Violence” campaign in light of an uptick in violent crime.
Crime Stoppers held a news conference Wednesday at the Shreveport Police Department to announce the revival of the campaign.
"This year we have seen an uptick in violent crime across the country and Shreveport has not been spared from this trend. While we know there are many contributing factors to this, we know that a big factor is illegal guns in our community," said Caddo-Shreveport Caddo Crime Stoppers president Reed Ebarb.
“...We can no longer do business as usual in Shreveport while the number of men and women who are killed or wounded by gun violence continues to increase," Ebarb said.
As part of the initiative, Crime Stoppers is offering a minimum reward of $750 for tips pertaining to illegal guns in Shreveport -- such as a felon in possession of a firearm, a person who may be in possession of a stolen firearm, or if someone used a firearm in a criminal act.
Anyone who contacts Crime Stoppers is guaranteed anonymity. Tips are also paid anonymously. So far this year, the organization has awarded more than $12,000 to tips.
Read more: Caddo Coroner identifies Cedar Creek Village shooting victim
In future months, Crime Stoppers will be working closely with the Violent Crimes Task Force, set up by Shreveport Police Chief Ben Raymond, to ensure that any gun-related tips are swiftly dealt with, Ebarb said.
“To those who possess guns who are out there doing the shooting and harming our community, I have a message for you: whether it is your mother, brother, friend or foe, someone will turn you in and you will go to jail," Ebarb said.
Caddo-Shreveport Crime Stoppers has seen a more than 10% increase in tips since this time last year and more than a 70% increase since 2018.
Ebarb said Crime Stoppers will be aggressively seeking information by using billboards, social media, and radio to reach out to every corner of the community.
"We’re asking you to tell us what you know before it’s too late; before the next innocent bystander is killed or an innocent child shot. Do your part to save a life, to end the violence by speaking up. Lives are depending on you. Speak up," Ebarb said.
Related: Crime Stoppers tip leads to arrest in theft at Northside Elementary School
Emily Enfinger is the breaking news reporter for The Shreveport Times, covering crime and court. Follow her on Twitter at @EmilyEnfinger.
Have a news tip? Email Emily at eenfinger@gannett.com.
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