HARRISBURG (Oct. 31, 2001) -- On behalf of Gov. Mark Schweiker, State Police Commissioner Paul J. Evanko today announced the start of "Turn in a Torch," a campaign that encourages citizens to help solve arson crimes in Pennsylvania.

"Pennsylvanians know that arson is a serious and sometimes deadly crime," Commissioner Evanko said. "But we want them to know that rewards are available for those who help bring arsonists to justice."

"Turn in a Torch" is a joint effort of the State Police Fire Marshal Unit and Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers.

"Whenever State Police determine that a fire is the result of arson, a fire investigator will place these newly designed posters at the scene," Commissioner Evanko said. "The posters announce that the location is a crime scene with no trespassing allowed, but also urge witnesses or others with information about the crime to contact Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers."

Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization dedicated to solving crimes. The program supplies information on unsolved crimes and fugitives to the media for publication and broadcast. The program also provides rewards of up to $2,000 for information resulting in an arrest.

Individuals with information about arson cases, fugitives or other crimes should contact Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-4PA-TIPS (1-800-472-8477). Callers can remain anonymous.

Since the inception of Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers in April 1986, nearly 1,900 cases have been solved and more than 570 arrests have been made as the result of tips provided to Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers and its more than two dozen related county and regional Crime Stoppers organizations across the Commonwealth. Crime Stoppers has paid out more than $64,000 in rewards during that time.

Since 1998, more than 16,000 cases of arson were reported to Pennsylvania police departments. The arsons resulted in the deaths of 22 people and more than $276 million in property damage.

An illustration of the new arson scene posters can be viewed here. * Please note that this if for illustration purposes only.

 

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