Linn County Crime Stoppers program now accepts text messages

CEDAR RAPIDS - Linn County's Crime Stoppers program is opening up a new line of communication.

The program, whose toll free number (1-(800) 272-7463) encourages anonymous callers to report information or suspicions about criminal activity, currently receives about 15 to 20 calls per month, officials say. But with so many people preferring to send text messages instead of placing voice calls these days, Crime Stoppers officials decided a “Text a Tip” program would bring in even more useful information.

“I think we'll double or triple that number (15-20 per month),” said Ray Nowers, president of the Linn County Crime Stoppers board. “The counties we've talked to and the towns that have this, they've seen their tips go up more than double, more than triple.”

The system went live about two weeks ago, but authorities announced its existence Thursday at a news conference.

Users with a “smartphone” capable of sending text messages can sent a text to CRIMES (274637) as the receiving number. The next step is to put the number 5227 on the message or subject line and then type in a text message. An officer on the receiving end of the text can reply back in real time.

Users, as with the Crime Stoppers phone line, can remain anonymous or receive a unique identifier code that would qualify them for a reward up to $2,500, based on the quality of information.

Terry Bilsland, president of the Wellington Heights Neighborhood Association, said residents there maintain an active crime watch program, and text-messaged tips may have a positive impact.

“They (tipsters) could do it quicker and they wouldn't have to worry about somebody telling them ‘don't snitch.' They could get it done and be anonymous,” Bilsland said.

Police said the Crime Stoppers communications, both via phone or text, are monitored by an officer during regular business hours, but true emergency calls should go to the familiar 9-1-1 system.