Boston Launches Publicity Campaign to Encourage Anonymous Crime Tips

National advertising firm Hill Holiday designed a new public safety campaign set to launch on Wednesday to encourage Boston residents to offer tips about crimes. 

The new campaign continues Boston's efforts to inform tipsters that they will remain anonymous and safe with slogans like, “Your tips help us identify criminals, but WE’LL NEVER IDENTIFY YOU” followed by text that reads “Fight crime 100% anonymously. Text ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463) or Call 1-800-494-TIPS.” 

(Those text numbers and phone number are currently operable for tips.)

The anonymous ‘Text a Tip’ program was initially launched in 2007.

“Since 2007, the Crime Stoppers Unit has received close to 4,000 tips as a result of this campaign," said Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis through a press release. "I’m confident that the momentum of community cooperation will continue. This program continues to be successful because of our dedicated corporate partners as well as the many community members who have bravely provided information.”

AT&T also donated $85,000 to support the program, and to help pay the annual cost of keeping the anonymous text line operating.  

The campaign will be advertised in areas currently facing violent crime and will be seen:

• on 50 bus shelters citywide, donated by JCDecaux North America
• on 200 MBTA Internal Transit Car cards on all lines except Green Line, Blue Line and Commuter Rail
• on a dedicated page on BPDnews.com promoting the campaign
• during a two-day Boston.com campaign
• on Twitter and Facebook
• On the Fenway Jumbotron during Red Sox pre-game for remainder of 2011 season
• On 5,000 brochures to be distributed by the Boston Police Department.