LANCASTER COUNTY – Lancaster County Crime Stoppers is increasing the maximum amount of cash it awards to tipsters who help police solve crimes to $5,000. Previously, the maximum award was $1,000. Higher cash amounts are given to individuals who help solve homicides and other more serious crimes. Persons who provide tips to Crime Stoppers and receive rewards can do so while maintaining their anonymity. Though rewards of up to $5,000 are now available, the exact amount of cash given and whether an award is granted at all is decided by the Lancaster County Crime Stoppers board. Factors including the seriousness of the crime and the usefulness of the information provided play a role in how much cash the board chooses to reward. Though Lancaster County Crime Stoppers has given out many rewards over the years, family members, friends, and co-workers of wanted subjects are often reluctant to provide information to law enforcement. By offering more cash, the Lancaster County Crime Stoppers board hopes these individuals and others will be more willing to come forward with information that helps police solve crimes. Tens of thousands of dollars in rewards have been given to tipsters who have helped solve untold numbers of criminal cases in Lancaster County.
