Anonymous Tips Lead to 83 Arrests and Recovery of Stolen Property, Drugs and Firearms Across Southern Arizona

TUCSON, AZ — Anonymous tips from Southern Arizona residents helped law enforcement make 83 arrests in the last fiscal year, according to 88-Crime. The nonprofit says those reports also helped investigators close 104 cases and recover stolen property, illegal drugs and firearms.

Officials said the program’s results show how public information can help agencies move investigations forward, from fugitive cases to violent crimes.

What the tips led to

Law enforcement recovered $38,040 in stolen property, $40,165 in illegal drugs and nine firearms through information sent in by tipsters, the program said. 88-Crime also paid out $55,600 in rewards during the fiscal year, with all of the money coming from private donations.

The cases included 30 fugitive investigations involving people wanted for offenses such as homicide, aggravated assault, firearms violations and human smuggling. Six other cases involved drug sales and distribution.

Serious cases solved

Officials said anonymous tips helped solve two homicides, one sexual assault and one hit-and-run. They also aided numerous other felony investigations across the region.

Program Coordinator James Allerton said the results show the direct effect community members can have on public safety. He said anonymous reporting contributes to arrests, case closures and safer neighborhoods across Southern Arizona.

How the program works

88-Crime is a nonprofit that lets people report suspected criminal activity without giving their name. The program works with local law enforcement agencies and the Pima County Attorney’s Office to support investigations.

Officials say the anonymity is part of what encourages residents to come forward with information that might otherwise go unreported.

How to send tips

People can submit anonymous tips by calling 520-882-7463, visiting 88crime.org or using the P3 Tips mobile app. The program says it continues to rely on public reports to help solve crimes and recover evidence.

Those tip lines remain open for anyone with information about criminal activity in Southern Arizona.

TNSO covers California, Nevada, and Arizona as the story unfolds.