Crime Stoppers sees rise in anonymous tips; looks to expand in SC

(WPDE) — January is Crime Stoppers Awareness Month, and the organization said they’re experiencing an increase in anonymous tips.

South Carolina received 5,871 tips in 2025, leading to 126 arrests. This marks an increase of about 400 tips compared to 2024.

Helen Westmoreland from the Office of Professional Standards attributes this rise to growing trust and education about the program’s role and protections.

“I think the trust factor is continuing to grow… the biggest piece is on education,” Westmoreland said.

In South Carolina and other states, Crime Stoppers tips are specifically protected under state statute. The organization emphasizes the anonymity of tipsters, using specialized software to protect identities.

Contrary to common misconceptions, Crime Stoppers does not collect IP addresses, phone numbers or record calls.

“We use programs and software that are specifically designed to protect the anonymity of tipsters,” Westmoreland said.

Crime Stoppers operates as a nonprofit, separate from law enforcement, and is divided into councils by county. It’s also typically composed of volunteers.

South Carolina currently has 11 councils serving 19 of the state’s 46 counties. However, Westmoreland said there is a need for expansion.

“We have to have a community of volunteers that will come forward, help fundraise to continue to pay out tips and operate the program that will help promote the program in the community.”

Due to the support of the state legislature, the S.C. Council has access to funding to help in the start up process of Crime Stoppers councils and will assist with everything from bylaws preparation, the IRS 5013 application, board training and coordinator training.

In the past three years, the agency received nearly 700 tips from areas without a Crime Stoppers program, highlighting a significant gap in coverage.

“Just imagine what could have come from those 700 tips if they had a partner in that county actually actively promoting that program,” Westmoreland said.

Crime Stoppers has expanded in the past two years, adding programs in Pickens and Beaufort counties, with new programs coming to Orangeburg and Allendale counties.

The agency will host its inaugural state training conference later this year, inviting communities interested in starting their own Crime Stoppers program to participate.

There are 11 certified Crime Stoppers programs in SC: