Crime Stoppers will accept a $10,600 check today from a new donor — welcome news, given the group's past concerns about having enough money to keep doling out rewards.

        Crime Stoppers pays anonymous callers money for tips leading to solved crimes in Greater Cincinnati. The amount grows every year — almost $41,000 in 1999, the most in the group's 20-year history.

        The money comes mostly from donations and fund-raisers, with staffing provided by the Cincinnati Police Division.

        Board members today will pick up the $10,600 check from the Greater Cincinnati Auto Dealers Association, some of the proceeds from the group's annual February car show.

        “This helps us a lot,” said board member Kathy Meinke. “We had to hold back in the past because we were concerned. Things were getting tight.”

        Pete Pannier, president of the auto dealers and owner of Northgate Chrysler/Jeep, said the group plans to make the donation an annual event.

        “This is an important service to our community,” he said, “and car dealers are happy to do our part to help make this community safer for all of us.”

        Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to arrests and other information about crimes. The average reward is about $200. Callers can remain anonymous.

        In the 20 years since the program's inception, tips have led to more than 5,600 arrests and more than 4,900 convictions. The police division counts 200 arrests during that time in murder cases, including 10 last year.

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