Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce is taking tips to identify those suspected of breaking COVID-19 self-isolation orders.
The organization says those who do not self-isolate for 14 days after returning from travel outside Canada are putting others at risk.
Local Crime Stoppers Chair Peter Reid says, “It is a strange situation we find ourselves in right now and the more we are able to comply with the orders, and the more we can limit the physical interaction, the better. The quicker this clears up, the better it will be for everyone.”
Reid says part of the goal is to ease the burden on police phone lines. Crime Stoppers has an app and a website tips can be submitted on as well.
“The more information you can give, the better. If there's enough information the police can act upon it,” says Reid.
Reid says it's not just the 14 day isolation that can be reported, it's “Pretty much anything that's in violation of the provincial order,” says Reid, adding if there's 20 or so people partying in a park or something, well then somebody needs to know about it.”
Local police services are starting their enforcement of these laws through education, but people in violation of these emergency laws could face fines between $750 and $1,000.
Organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people are prohibited and so is price gouging on necessary goods like disinfectant products.
Essential services and businesses are not part of the five-person ban. There can be more than five people in those places. Families who are living in the same residence do not fall under the five person ban.
Reid says, “If it's people you personally know, you may want to politely suggest to them that 'Hey, this probably isn't what you should be doing' but going up to strangers and doing that is probably not the best thing to do. You never know how some people are going to react. Let the pros handle it.”
Reid says, small cash rewards are available, though the $2,000 ones are for serious crimes like homicide, “If a tip turns out to be good, they are eligible for a cash reward and of course the amount of that reward varies on type of tip and the severity.”
Meanwhile, If you have information about a crime, you can submit a secure Web Tip or call our toll-free Tips Line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You won’t be asked to identify yourself, you won’t have to appear in court, and you may be eligible for a cash reward up to $2,000.