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Crime Stoppers helps keep Halton a safe place by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 3 | Thursday, January 14, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Crime Stoppers of Halton held an open house Monday at Halton Region headquarters to both celebrate its partners and what it is all about. Organizers noted 2015 was a busy as tips to the charity led to 28 arrests, saw $83,936 in stolen property recovered, and led to the seizure of illegal drugs with a street value of $21,527. "Crime Stoppers is a partnership that is comprised of the Crime Stoppers program, the community at-large, the police service and the media, and it helps keep Halton the safest regional municipality in Canada in which to live and work," said Norm Bellefontaine, Crime Stoppers chair. A means of reporting "Crime Stoppers gives people a means of reporting tips on unsolved crimes with guaranteed anonymity. Tipsters do not identify themselves to Crime Stoppers and never have to appear in court." Bellefontaine noted while the organization is independent from the police, it is an important and cost-effective tool for law enforcement because it can help significantly shorten police investigations and solve crimes that might otherwise go unsolved. Crime Stoppers partners honoured during the evening included Halton Region, whose chair, Gary Carr, spoke about the program and the need for everyone to do their part to help keep Halton a safe community. "We have the finest people working in our police services, but we cannot do it without the community. You are an integral part of this," said Carr. "If we want to remain the safest, if we want to attract businesses, if we want to make this a good place to raise kids and grandkids, you need to continue to do the work you are doing," he told Crime Stoppers officials. Halton Police Chief Stephen Tanner was recognized for the liaison between police and Crime Stoppers and underlined the importance of Crime Stoppers' role in police work. Crime Stoppers is crucial: Police chief "Crime Stoppers, quite simply, is a critical, crucial and most necessary program not only in Halton, but around the world," said Tanner. "Many, many members of the Halton police service have used Crime Stoppers' information to successfully investigate, prosecute, solve or prevent crime." Crime Stoppers also recognized its partners from the local business community. see A real on p.7 Crime Stoppers of Halton held an open house as January is Crime Stoppers Month. The theme is Celebrating Our Partnerships. Pictured, Norm Bellefontaine, chair of Crime Stoppers of Halton, is joined by some of the programs partners. From left, are: OSPCA officer Brandon James; Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer Jotham Dumesnil; Bellefontaine; Halton Regional Police Chief Stephen Tanner; John Sawyer, Oakville Chamber of Commerce president; and Jamie Frye, investigator, Ontario Racing Commission. | photo by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) Bhandari Family Dentistry returns to Oakville BrinG in your family for a CheCk-up at our neW state-of-the-art CliniC Dr. Bhandari is a leading advocate of oral health with 31 years of experience. With unmatched training and impeccable skill, Dr. Bhandari and his team have been noted in the community and media for his professional and comprehensive approach to dentistry. Dr. Bhandari has proudly worked with a number of celebrities throughout his career, helping them maintain their red carpet worthy smiles! Customer care is our core concern. Whether you're looking for general maintenance, regular check-up treatments or cosmetic dentistry, we can help. Give Dr. Bhandari a call to book your appointment or consultation. Porcelain Veneers Crowns and Bridges Teeth Whitening Restorations Composite Resin Dental Implants Laser Dentistry New Patients & Dental Emergencies Welcome Dr. Vineet BhanDari Bhan BSc DIH DDS 905.825.5110 Monday to Friday 7:30 - 5:00. Evening and Saturday appointments available. Palermo Professional Centre 2525 Old Bronte Rd., Suite 470 Oakville (at Dundas Street) · www.bhandaridental.com