Arson Hotline
A California-based arson hotline, We Tip, has taken over 700 arson tips, leading to 118 arrests of suspected arsonists, and 57 convictions. According to Sue Aguilar, publicist for the organization, the convictions involved over $11.5 million worth of damage, while 50 percent of the arson tips also involved other crimes.
The We Tip hotline was started 10 years ago, and in 1980 the arson hotline was added. When a call is received, the caller remains anonymous, identified only by a code name and number. Rewards up to $500 are available for information leading to a conviction. Involvement is encouraged by posting reward announcements at arson sites, and through press releases to newspapers. The program has been endorsed by fire and law enforcement officials, as well as the California Arson Prevention Committee, the California Conference of Arson Investigators and the state fire marshal’s office. More information is available from We Tip Inc., P.O. Box 740, Ontario, Ca. 91761.
