Reward for top-up thieves

(CNS): A series of thefts from and damage to a number of mobile phone top-up machines across Grand Cayman has triggered a boosted reward of $3,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the perpetrators of the criminal campaign. The cash is being put up by the local branch of Crime Stoppers, tripling the usual $1,000 pay-out to people who give information to the anonymous crime fighting NGO that leads to the successful apprehension of the culprits. Top-up machines in North Side, East End, Bodden Town and George Town were targeted by the thieves between 17 January and 19 March.

Malcolm Ellis, the chair of Cayman Crime Stoppers, is appealing to members of the public to call the tip line now if they have any information regarding these crimes. Launching the official appeal Easter weekend, he said that the thefts and attempted thefts had happened at the top-up machine at 1203 North Side Road, North Side; Pirates Cove Bar at 2460 Seaview Road in East End; Lorna’s Texaco at 140 Bodden Town Road, Bodden Town; and at Welly’s Cool Spot, 110 Sound Way, in George Town, as well as at the machine at the George Town Hospital at 95 Hospital Road.

Anyone with information about any of these crimes is asked to come forward and call the Crime Stoppers tip line, 800-TIPS. Callers will not be asked to identify themselves – just to provide information.

Cayman Crime Stoppers is facilitating a reward of up to $3,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for these crimes. Callers will be given a unique code which they can use to make a claim. They never have to disclose their identity.

The Cayman Crime Stoppers tips line is 800-TIPS (that is, 800 8477) and is a free, local call. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimestoppers.ky