How Crime Stoppers of Niagara Is Creating Safer Communities—One Anonymous Tip at a Time

April 23, 2025•4 min read

On this episode of The Make It Count Show, host Michelle Latocha sat down with a Niagara legend: Ernie Sibbet, the driving force behind Crime Stoppers of Niagara. With decades of volunteer service and a passion that’s contagious, Ernie offered an inside look at how this powerful organization is making a real difference in our community.

The Power of Anonymity

At its core, Crime Stoppers gives everyday people a way to do the right thing—safely and anonymously. Whether it’s drug activity, theft, human trafficking, or elder abuse, tips called into Crime Stoppers never require you to reveal your identity or show up in court.

“I’m not even allowed to know who’s calling,” Ernie shared. “We don’t have call display. There’s no trace. You stay completely anonymous—and you may even receive a reward.”

That’s a game-changer for people who are hesitant to report crimes out of fear or shame. And it’s working. While the program used to receive 30 to 40 tips per month, it now handles 200 to 250 tips every single week.

Crime Stoppers Goes Beyond Crime

It’s not just about catching “the bad guys.” Crime Stoppers is also deeply involved in raising awareness—especially when it comes to vulnerable populations like children and seniors.

One campaign places human trafficking awareness posters in public washrooms across Niagara Parks. Why? Because predators often target kids as young as 11 to 13 years old. If a child sees a poster and asks their parent, “What is human trafficking?”—that conversation could change everything.

Ernie also shared powerful stories about elder abuse, including one woman who was fed dog food by her son. At first glance, it seemed cruel. But it turned out he was desperate—struggling to get her to eat and convinced the dog food had all the nutrients she needed. The takeaway? Not all situations are black and white, but all of them deserve attention.

Meet the Man Behind the Mission

Ernie Sibbet’s journey is just as inspiring as the work he does. After retiring early from the auto industry, he found himself drawn to community service.

“I said to my wife, Carolyn, ‘I don’t like going to work anymore.’ So I left—and started volunteering. That was over 20 years ago, and I haven’t looked back.”

Today, Ernie logs 80–100 hours a week as a volunteer—and he’s not slowing down.

You’ll find him and Carolyn everywhere: IceDogs games, Jackfish games, charity events, and more. They’re a powerhouse couple who truly lead by example.

Creating a Culture of Volunteerism

One of Ernie’s proudest accomplishments is nurturing young volunteers, some as young as 13 years old. He believes in giving them responsibility early—and watching them rise to the occasion.

“Every young person who’s volunteered with us and wanted to be a police officer has become one,” Ernie said. “We give them the chance to learn, lead, and make a difference.”

But it’s not just youth Crime Stoppers is calling on—they also need seniors to help at events, chat with the public, and support their mission in non-sales roles.

New Program Alert: The “Hotspot” Initiative

Crime Stoppers is launching a new initiative in collaboration with local police and municipalities called Hotspots. When crime spikes in a specific area, Crime Stoppers will flood the zone with awareness—posters, flyers, door-to-door info—all designed to encourage residents to report what they see and help solve the issue.

“It’s not about fear,” Ernie said. “It’s about giving the community tools to make it safer—without putting themselves at risk.”

No Crime Is Too Big or Too Small

That’s a saying Ernie lives by, and it might just be the best way to sum up Crime Stoppers’ purpose. Whether it’s a neighbor behaving oddly, a gut feeling about a suspicious situation, or even a serious unsolved case—your tip could change everything.

Even high-profile cases like Paul Bernardo’s capture began with a Crime Stoppers tip.

💡 How You Can Help

To submit a tip anonymously, call 222-TIPS
Interested in volunteering? Reach out at a local event or contact the office directly

Want to support Crime Stoppers’ work? Show up, spread awareness, and talk about the hard things

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