THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, April 8, 1995 TAG: 9504080229
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: Short : 43 lines
The 11th annual Greater Hampton Roads Crime Line Telethon, airing tonight from 8 to 11 on WVEC-TV, will feature victims of crimes that were solved from tips.
The show will originate at the Pavilion in Virginia Beach and at the Radisson Hotel in Hampton.
``We not only want to ask people to contribute money to this worthwhile cause,'' said telethon producer John Miller.
``We will show viewers how the program works.
``They will see their donation is actually an investment in the safety of our community.''
John Williams, the telethon chairman and security director at Portsmouth General Hospital, said the telethon's goal is $95,000.
``We're going to 95 in '95,'' Williams said.
``These funds go directly to the Crime Line programs across Hampton Roads and are used to pay rewards to those calling in tips.''
Crime Line pays rewards of up to $1,000 to individuals who provide information about crimes in participating cities and counties.
Tipsters never have to reveal their names or testify.
They are paid only after the information provided leads to an arrest.
``Many people want to know what happens to the criminals after they are arrested,'' Williams said.
``We are proud to say that 97 to 98 percent of those arrested from Crime Line tips information are convicted. This proves that the information we use is good and that the program is a great success.''
Approximately 1,400 crimes have been solved since last year's telethon. More than $4 million in stolen property and illegal drugs was recovered in Hampton Roads in 1994.
Contributions can be sent to: Greater Hampton Roads Crime Line Telethon, P.O. Box 662, Portsmouth, Va. 23705. by CNB