Crime Stoppers appeals for information

(CNS): Cayman Crime Stoppers has launched an appeal for members of the community to come forward with any information they have about the suspected murder of Estella Scott-Roberts last weekend. Stuart Bostock (left), Chairman of Cayman Crime Stoppers, is keen to remind the public that Cayman Crime Stoppers guarantees absolute anonymity.

“Our telephone tips-line is answered by a call-centre in Miami, not locally, and no personal details are taken from the caller,“ said Bostock. He added, “Tips can also be submitted anonymously via our secure online portal. Anyone submitting a tip online is not required to give personal details and the information is processed securely so its source is never recorded.” Cayman Crime Stoppers’ tips-line number is 800 TIPS (8477) and the online portal can be found at www.crimestoppers.ky under the ‘report a crime’ link.

Cayman Crime Stoppers’ public appeal calls for members of the public not to be inhibited about sharing information. Bostock said, “The disturbing news of Estella’s disappearance has stirred much emotion among the community. This is a matter of grave concern for everyone and it is vital that anybody who may have seen or heard anything at all which could help solve this case comes forward without delay.”

Anybody who submits a tip to Cayman Crime Stoppers is eligible for a reward of up to $1,000, should their information lead to arrest and conviction. Commenting on reward offers Bostock explained, “Whilst Cayman Crime Stoppers is limited to a maximum sum of $1,000 when issuing rewards of its own, we have on previous occasions partnered with other institutions who wish to offer rewards, to act as a secure mechanism for receiving tips.” He continued, “We have not yet been approached to do so in this particular case, however anybody wishing to pledge a reward of their own may contact us for more information.” Bostock can be reached on 949-0004.

Cayman Crime Stoppers was formed in 1993 by the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce to provide a vital service, which helps protect the community from crime. Working in close partnership with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), the community and the media, it has become one of the most effective crime solving tools available to local law enforcement agencies. Cayman Crime Stoppers provides a safe and secure means for anybody with information about a crime to share it freely whilst protecting their identity. It could also earn them a reward of up to $1,000.

Cayman Crime Stoppers is one of some 1200 Crime Stoppers programmes in 20 countries. Since its inception in the United States in 1976, Crime Stoppers has been responsible for over 700,000 arrests, over a million cleared cases, the recovery of nearly two billion dollars of property and drug seizures worth a staggering seven billion dollars. About 83 million dollars have been paid in rewards through Crime Stoppers Programmes across the globe.

Cayman Crime Stoppers is a non-profit civilian run organization and is also a recognized regional member of Crime Stoppers International. The board is community based consisting of civilian leaders within the Cayman Islands and one law enforcement coordinator who assists with the dissemination of information received by the Cayman Crime Stoppers anonymous call-center operated in Miami, Florida.