First Coast Crime Stoppers offering extra reward money for crimes involving children

There's a new incentive to turn people in who are committing crimes against children in Northeast Florida.

First Coast Crime Stoppers and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office rolled out a plan today that could mean an extra $1,000 reward depending on the crime and how it involves children. That money is on top of the $3,000 reward money for crimes that don't involve children.

"The board will decide how much we give extra based on the severity of the crime," says Wyllie Hodges, executive director at First Coast Crime Stoppers.

He says the new concept goes into effect today because April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, but the extra reward money will be offered permanently.

Hodges says anyone who calls his organization remains completely anonymous, which is important because many crimes against children are committed by someone in the family or home.

"You could easily tell on something going on in your own household without anyone ever knowing who made the complaint or who made the accusation," Hodges says.

He says he's personally noticed more crimes committed on children in recent years. The reward money is for anything involving victims up to 17 years old, and it's for crimes of all kinds.

Call 866-845-TIPS (8477) or go to www.FCCrimestoppers.com to report a crime. You can also use the P3 Tips app.