Anonymous tips on Merritt crime are paying off in more ways than one.

The Merritt chapter of Crime Stoppers recently received a Milestone Award recognizing it for having the most property recovered in 2015 out of all other B.C. chapters serving a population under 20,000.

In 2015, Crime Stoppers Merritt recovered $12,180 worth of property — up from $3,120 in 2014.

Local chapter president Graham Whitecross said the local chapter is very proud to receive the award.

“It proves that the system works. It works here in Merritt and it’s just another step to improve the safety of residents,” Whitecross said.

In Merritt, people can provide an anonymous crime tip by calling 1-800-222-8477. The tip is then passed along to Merritt RCMP.

If the information leads to an arrest, ends up helping to recover property or closes a case, tipsters can receive cash — usually between $100 and $2,000 depending on the quality of the information and the seriousness of the crime.

The Merritt chapter of Crime Stoppers raises these funds, helps determine what dollar amount should be given, and promotes the organization to try and encourage people to call.

“All this is possible because someone phoned us,” Whitecross said of the reward

RCMP Const. Tracy Dunsmore said property that’s commonly stolen are items that can easily be pawned.

“You’re looking at electronics — televisions, computers, iPads — something that can be pawned off quite easily that people want and will pay money for,” she said.