The Peninsula Crime Line program is an effective method for citizens to anonymously provide information to help law enforcement solve crimes. This crime fighting tool brings together an all volunteer, citizen based, not-for-profit program with law enforcement, and the media promoting community involvement to solve crimes. This program covers the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, and the counties of James City and York. This program was created by local community leaders in 1982. The objective of the Peninsula Crime Line is to provide a non-threatening method for citizens to anonymously provide information to help solve crimes. Citizens remain anonymous, do not have to testify in court, and could be eligible for a cash reward up to $1,000 if their information results in an arrest, recovery of stolen property, or seizure of illegal drugs.

The Peninsula Crime Line is supported entirely through tax-deductable donations from large and small businesses, organizations, and citizens. The Crime Line does not receive any local, state or federal funds to pay rewards.

The success of the Peninsula Crime Line between 1997 and 2008 can be illustrated through a few statistics. The total number of calls received was 9,704 resulting in 1,115 arrests solving 1,698 cases. The total dollar value of stolen property recovered and illegal drugs seized were $910,657. The total rewards paid during these 12 years totaled $242,725.

Anonymous tips are provided by calling the Crime Line number 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. The Crime Line tip number is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Go to the Peninsula Crime Line web site www.peninsulacrimeline.com for information about making a donation or about the program.