Crime doesn’t pay, but Crime Stoppers does.

That’s the message Dallas County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Roy Freine wants everyone to hear.

Freine, director of Crime Stoppers, said that the cash-for-tips program has already found success.

For continued success, though, Freine needs the community’s help.

Crime Stoppers rewards people who give tips to police. Since its creation, the program has brought about the arrest of three fugitives, enabled undercover narcotics buys and recovered stolen four-wheelers valued at $6,500.

Freine said that $750 in reward money has been given to tipsters.

“We’re currently working on some tips from Crime Stoppers right now,” Freine said. “I think the program will continue to be a success because it’s anonymous.”

Tipsters contact Crime Stoppers anonymously and speak with Freine, who gives them a code number.

Freine instructs the anonymous callers to contact him in a few days to learn if the tip resulted in an arrest or the recovery of drugs or property.

“When tips come in, they’re being actively followed up on,” Freine said. “Keep calling with the tips. Don’t stop now.”

If the tip proves true, reward money is on the way.

“We want to keep Crime Stoppers fresh in peoples’ minds,” Freine said. “We don’t want it to stop. This is the real deal. We’re paying money.”

Freine stressed that tipsters remain secret and that he will never attempt to discover anyone’s identity.

According to Freine, some don’t want to be identified because they’re revealing information about a neighbor or family member. That anonymity is just fine with Freine.

Reward money comes from local businesses.

A Crime Stoppers board meets monthly to determine how much money is given to each tipster. Reward amounts are based on the severity of the crime and how much property or drugs were recovered.

The maximum amount rewarded is $1,000.

Future plans for Crime Stoppers include billboards and bumper stickers publicizing the program.

Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1-866-442-7463.