Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce has announced it will be partnering with the Ontario Provincial Police Marine Unit and the Ministry of Natural Resources in an effort to encourage the public to report unlawful activities by boaters and fisherman on our local waterways.

Crime Stoppers is a community based program that combines the media, law enforcement and the public in a cooperative effort to solve crime.

Crime Stoppers has become an effective tool in battling crime because it encourages the public to be the "eyes and the ears" for police. "The same can be said for patrolling our waterways" says OPP Constable Dean Rutherford, Police Coordinator of the Crime Stoppers program.

 "We are fortunate to have officers enforcing the laws of our waterways and would encourage the public to assist them by "Blowing the Whistle on Crime" with respect to any violations on our lakes, rivers and bays," said Bob Robson, Chair of the Board of Directors of Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce.

To recognize the partnership, Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce will be providing a supply of Fox 40 Whistles to the OPP and MNR to hand out to boaters who are in compliance with water regulations during their patrols.

"The purpose of the partnership is twofold" says Robson. "First we want to recognize those boaters who are in full compliance with the regulations and secondly we want to promote our toll free number to encourage the reporting of unlawful acts."

People can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by phoning 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or they can send a web-tip to the link provided.

You won't have to identify yourself, you won't have to appear in court and you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display.