An incentive for tips leading to an arrest: Racine officials hoping to put an end to rash of robberies

RACINE (WITI) -- Giving cash...to fight crooks. Racine business owners are reaching into their own pockets -- hoping it will extend the long arm of the law. There's an effort underway to advertise an anonymous tip line to combat a rash of robberies.

It's an effort that has been going on for more than a week, but in order for it to work, a group needs to get the word out -- and they're doing it, one slip of paper at a time.

Over the past 10 days or so, a Racine grocery store has been giving something to its customers for free.

Businesses are passing out thousands of flyers advertising cash for people willing to help police solve a rash of robberies.

"Store owners and tavern owners alike have provided some donations. Up to $7,000 for this particular rash of crime going on," Scott Abrams said.

Abrams, with Crime Stoppers of Racine County hopes the additional money offered for tips leading to an arrest will help solve the 12 tavern robberies since March.

"I believe seven convenience store robberies in that time. (Business owners) are really getting the word out on their own, which really helps us," Racine Police Sgt. Jessie Metoyer said.

Sgt. Metoyer says there are a handful of other crimes targeting local businesses as well. Police have made arrests on some -- but not all.

"We will take any assistance we can get," Sgt. Metoyer said.

Joseph Walker

The most serious robbery was the one that took the life of 47-year-old Joseph Walker. A bullet hole could be seen inside the American Legion Tavern where it happened.

Walker's killer has yet to be found.

This campaign to help police is called "Stop the Madness."

"We do think it's madness. There are people not going out at night to taverns so the Tavern League got involved," Abrams said.

The hope of business owners and police is that cash incentives will ring up tips that will lead to arrests.

"We'll get these bad guys off the street. That's what it's all about," Abrams said.

CLICK HERE for information on the "Stop the Madness" campaign and/or to get in touch with Racine Crime Stoppers.