SWFL Crime Stoppers hopes new signs will help fight crime

LEE COUNTY, Fla.- Are new signs across the county the key to crime fighting?

Law enforcement officials hope the signs will encourage witnesses to break their silence and call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers.

Not everyone thinks the signs will work. The pain is still there for Toyetta Simpson whose son, 5-year-old Andrew Faust Jr., was killed in a drive-by shooting last year.

“It’s more of a trust issue between the community, the law enforcement, and things along those lines.”

Simpson says people simply don’t feel comfortable talking to the police.

That’s something Trish Routte with Crime Stoppers knows all to well.

“People do not want to be seen as the snitch, as the person who’s talking to law enforcement. All of a sudden, they may feel like they are becoming targets,” said Routte.

Wednesday morning, 20 signs were placed around Lee County, most in high crime areas where investigators need help solving cases.

The sign reminds tipsters they can remain anonymous, receive a cash reward, and they never have to give their name.

“This is a plan, hopefully a goal, to get people who are not reporting crime to that,” said Routte.

Simpson doesn’t buy it.

“I’m happy to see it, but it’s more of just a sign to me.”

Dr. Kim Swanson, a crime prevention specialist with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, says the signs can work.

“Report once and see what happens. We build up that trust and that relationship.”

You’ll notice the sign says they need your information, not your name. Crime Stoppers hopes this will serve as a reminder that no one will know you made a tip. To report any information and remain anonymous, you can call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 800-780- TIPS (8477).