Okay, so for those who are still concerned about safety in Belize, I found something you can do about it!

The Rotary Clubs of Belize have started a new program: Crime Stoppers Belize.

This community based service enables members of the community to take action to stop crime. If someone has information about a crime that has been committed they are asked to call the toll free number 0–800–922–8477. An international operator takes the information from the caller, who is given a code so that their identity remains a secret. The caller may then call back to check on their tip, using their code number as their ID. If the information they provided results in an arrest and a charge, the informant can receive a cash reward of up to $1000.

The steps are simple:

1. Make the Toll-free call. (NO CHARGE)
2. Report the crime
3. You will not be asked for your name.
4. The information you provide is passed on to the authorities
5. You are assigned a code number to call back and check on your tip.
6. If you gave a tip that results in legal action you could receive a cash prize!
7. Use the reward as you please.

The point of the program is explained in detail on the Crime Stoppers Belize web-site:

Crime Stoppers is a program designed to reduce crime by partnering with the community, the media, the local police and other law enforcement agencies.   The media reports the crime, the community identifies the criminal(s) who’ve committed the crime and provides information to Crime Stoppers anonymously, and the police acts upon the information provided by arresting and charging the criminals.  When the criminals are arrested, they are effectively removed from the community hence reducing crime in the area.  Crime can only be combated when everyone gets involved.

Crime Stoppers is a community based program designed to help law enforcement solve crime by setting up a system which allows the public to phone in tips anonymously and receive rewards for information that leads directly to the arrest and charge of a suspect for a crime. It is Belize’s anonymous TIPS hotline to report crime-related information. Tipsters remain anonymous and become eligible for rewards of up to $1,000.

Looks like we can all do our part to help minimize crime and give back to the community!

Go to CrimeStoppersBelize.com to learn more about the program, sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Belize.