Stamford, Conn. Sets Up New Gun Stoppers Program

STAMFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- The mayor of Stamford, Connecticut on Tuesday announced a new crime and a new gun stoppers program.

As WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau reported, anyone providing tips on illegal guns will remain anonymous, and Stamford Mayor David Martin said anyone calling in with a tip that leads to an arrest of someone with an illegal gun will get a $1,000 reward.

The mayor hopes this will result in the breakup of the culture of guns that exists in some communities.

"We've got people showing their guns, and once they – one guy shows his gun, another guy needs a gun, and after a while, everybody's got to have a gun and they're all showing their guns," Martin said.

Mayor Martin is confident that the rewards program will end the public display of guns. Carrying guns, he believes, can spark unprovoked crimes – even shootings. He said people reporting guns should call (203) 977-TIPS, and know their calls will be taken anonymously.

Everyone who provides information will be assigned an identification number, and if they are due a reward, they can collect with that number without ever interacting with police.