PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Crime Stoppers of Oregon, the organization that helps law enforcement solve crime cases while offering rewards for info, has announced that they will be ending their 43-year run at the end of September.
Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in any unsolved felony case, and they allowed people who submit tips to remain anonymous.
Chairman Henry Groepper, who has been involved with the program since it began in 1983, made the announcement on Wednesday morning, citing several reasons for the decision.
“Our tips and our rewards continue to decrease. Over the years, the Program has gotten smaller, our Board is getting older, and we have been discussing dissolving for some time,” Groepper said.
He also mentioned challenges with data management in an evolving technology landscape. The company that hosts their data, Navigate360, was breached back in March and they are still waiting to hear the impact to Crime Stoppers information.
“It’s actually a sad time for me, but times change,” Groepper continued. “We want to celebrate and remember our contribution to public safety in Oregon over the last 43 years. We are grateful to have helped families and helped solve crimes. It was a good program and our board members are all proud to have been a part of it for all these years.”