Toronto Crime Stoppers has launched an advertising campaign for its Cash for Guns initiative.
More than 20 billboards promoting the program have been put up throughout the city.Cash for Guns, first launched in 2005, offers up to $500 for a tip that leads to the seizure of an illegal gun."What we have seen over the past several years is a greater propensity among some criminal groups to carry firearms and to use those firearms," Toronto police Chief Bill Blair said on Monday, March 15. "In fact, last year nearly 60 per cent of the homicides that occurred in Toronto occurred with a firearm. Firearms have now become the primary weapon of choice for those who are engaged in extreme acts of violence."There were also 347 robberies involving guns in Toronto in 2009.Crime Stoppers tips have led to the seizure of 53 firearms last year.â?¨"We're hoping that more advertising and more awareness about the program will make this year's initiative much more successful," said Toronto Crime Stoppers Co-ordinator Det. Darlene Ross. "We're hoping that with the help of the community we can reduce the number of firearms that are out on the streets."- Andrew Palamarchuk