October 10, 2007
NEWS RELEASE

CRIME STOPPERS TO OFFER REWARDS FOR TIPS THAT ASSIST POLICE IN RECOVERING STOLEN VEHICLES IN SOMERSET COUNTY

Somerville – Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne J. Forrest and Douglas W. Kimmelman, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Crime Stoppers of Somerset County has announced that Crime Stoppers will be offering a $100.00 reward for any tip that leads to the recovery of a stolen motor vehicle listed in a community based internet site that allows the public to assist law enforcement in recovering stolen vehicles.

By accessing the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office (SCPO) Stolen Vehicle Database via the SCPO website (www.scpo.net), the general public can either enter a license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN) to determine if a vehicle has been reported stolen to one of the 19 municipal police departments in Somerset County.

When a vehicle is reported stolen in Somerset County, the law enforcement agency from the municipality where the vehicle was stolen from, enters the vehicle information into both the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Stolen Vehicle databases.

If the license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN) that is entered by the public into the SCPO Stolen Vehicle Database matches that of a stolen vehicle from Somerset County, a message advises that person to contact the law enforcement agency in the municipality where the vehicle is located. Contact information for all Somerset County Law Enforcement agencies is also provided in a drop down box in the response message.

If there is no match, the person is urged to contact the law enforcement agency of the municipality that the vehicle is located in to report any other suspicious activity.

The public is also encouraged to contact the Somerset County 24 hour telephone Crime Stoppers TIPS LINE at 1-888-577-TIPS or the Crime Stoppers of Somerset County website at www.somersetcountycrimestoppers.org with any information regarding criminal activity. All calls are confidential.

The SCPO Stolen Vehicle Database is an excellent way to engage and encourage the public to assist law enforcement by reporting stolen vehicles and to be the additional eyes and ears of law enforcement.

Please take a moment to access the SCPO website at www.scpo.net and click on the Stolen Vehicle Database link.