SANTA ANA : Police Linking Up With WeTip Hotline

Hoping to encourage residents to help reduce crime, the Police Department has joined WeTip Hotline, a national organization that offers rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of criminals.

Under the program, which will focus on gangs, drugs and auto theft, police will distribute brochures and flyers to residents urging them to call the hot line to talk to police anonymously if they witness a crime or have information. The number is (800) 78-CRIME, and it operates 24 hours a day, said Lt. Hugh Mooney.

The WeTip program also provides local police with funds for rewards of up to $1,000 for the arrest and conviction of criminals, he added.

“It won’t stop crime, but hopefully it will have an impact” by helping police solve cases faster and freeing resources, he said. “It lets crooks know that people are watching them.”

Since the program began in 1972, it has resulted in more than 4,500 convictions. Furthermore, WeTip has helped recover $18 million in stolen property and aided in the seizure of more than $280 million in illegal drugs, Mooney said.

Police Chief Paul M. Walters and WeTip founder Bill Brownell will make a formal announcement concerning the hot line at the City Council meeting Monday.