After a record-breaking year for tips in 2019, Regina Crime Stoppers is reporting a 13% drop in tips received in 2020 with 1,125.

Regina Police Chief Evan Bray says the decrease in tips doesn’t mean it was a bad year.

“This year was the third-highest number of tips we’ve received in the last 37 years that we’ve been doing Crime Stoppers in our city,” Bray said. “I think that’s outstanding given the fact that we saw some significant decreases in crime trends over the year as a result of COVID-19.”

Bray says since Crime Stoppers began, almost $7 million in drugs have been taken off the streets.

“This year very few of the tips were related to drugs and drug offences,” Bray said. “However, we may have been able to solve a serious assault, so to me, measuring success isn’t just about the stats; it’s remembering behind each stat is a victim and each time we can reduce victimization or bring some closure and help some healing to the families that are involved in crime, I think that’s a real positive thing.”

Regina Mayor Sandra Masters says Crime Stoppers makes Regina a safer place.

“Crime Stoppers is an example within our community of a true community partnership between the public, the police, public and private enterprise, and the media,” Masters said. “It shows that our community cares, and that’s a home that we can be proud of.”

Thirteen arrests were made in relation to tips, which led to 13 charges being laid as well. Crime Stoppers also announced 11 cash rewards were issued totaling $5,200.