Lyon County Crime Stoppers is going modern, allowing people to text in crimes they spot. Evora Wheeler, of Lyon County Crime Stoppers, said a new text number is available.
“Through Crime Stoppers we are encouraging anyone, including the high school, to turn in a tip if they see someone (commmiting a crime) and they would be eligible for an award if those people are caught and convicted,” Wheeler said.
The text system works like this:
• A text tip is sent to Crime Stoppers and the person gets a code back that allows them to remain anonymous.
• Tips need to be texted via cell phone to 274637.
• At the beginning of the message type TIP370 and then the message. TIP370 must be at the beginning of the message or it won’t get to Emporia law enforcement.
• Tips also can be submitted at tipsubmit.com. Follow the directions given online.
Tips can still be called in to 342-2273. Wheeler said the new text and online options allow anybody to turn in a crime however they are comfortable.
“That would be something that would appeal to the younger generation — the texting generation,” she said. “I do know this is a modern way for people and something they are comfortable doing without making a phone call. We’re just really happy to have that in place now.”
Wheeler said Crime Stoppers is working on crimes such as sign vandalism and graffiti both in Lyon County and the City of Emporia.
“We are working at the present time trying to get programs set up in both north and south Lyon County,” she said. “Because we are Lyon County Crime Stoppers.”
A new logo is being designed for Lyon County Crime Stoppers and will have the phone number and the texting number.