Toronto Sun
Toronto Crime Stoppers Launches "Underground ALERT" in TTC
subway stations with ONESTOP Media Group
Toronto, Ontario. June 12 2007 – Toronto Crime Stoppers launches "Underground ALERT"
Tuesday June 12th at Toronto Police Headquarters. This new program leverages the Toronto
Transit Commission ONESTOP Media Group's Out-of-Home Digital Information Network on the
LCDs located in TTC subway platforms, allowing Toronto Crime Stoppers to reach commuters
beyond traditional media – instantly.
Michael Girgis, President and CEO of ONESTOP Media Group says “This is a great example of the
use of new technology for a program where the dissemination of information quickly is key. The
commuters of Toronto have been encouraged to participate in the Crime Stoppers program for
years, this is a natural extension for a program that relies on the immediacy of the message.”
Underground ALERT" enables authorities to message millions of commuters immediately
following a crime in attempt to solve and catch the suspect. As soon as authorities are aware of a
suspect, the LCD screens in all subway stations will display information and visual images of the
suspect(s) utilizing full screen alert, similar visual to that of an Amber alert.
“THIS JUST IN! That's how we want the public to think of this new program. Within minutes of
receiving pictures of wanted criminals from police we'll have them up for the public to see in
subway station across Toronto. Because you're underground doesn't mean you have to be in the
dark. You'll be in the loop while on the move." Says Detective Larry Straver, Coordinator of
Toronto Crime Stoppers
Underground ALERT was prompted following a recent partnership between ONESTOP and
Toronto Crime Stoppers, as well as the recent homicides in and around the TTC.
As Toronto Crime Stoppers has had success with YouTube.com, it will be playing a role in this
program; as the alerts are placed in the subway stations, they will be simultaneously posted on
YouTube.com.
Success of instant messaging capability using ONESTOP's TTC Digital Information Network was
seen in February 2007 with Child Find when a tip led to the return of a young girl who went
missing. Her picture was instantly posted on the screens on TTC platforms; somebody recognized
her and called our 24-hour Toll Free line, bringing the girl home two days later.
Toronto Crime Stoppers (www.222tips.com) is a unique partnership between the community, police, and
local media. The program is dedicated to providing the public with opportunities to actively engage in
fighting crime. Crime Stoppers encourages the Toronto community to assist police by offering anonymous
tips. In 2005, over 7000 public tips aided in 415 arrests.
ONESTOP Media Group (www.onestopmediagroup.com) is Canada's #1 full service Out-of-Home Digital
Network operator. ONESTOP's expertise in the hospitality, transit and retail industries is recognized by
clients such as Toronto Transit Commission, Hilton Family of Brands, Sporting Life, The Wall Street Journal,
and Retail Council of Canada.
For more information please contact:
Lorne Simon, Chair - Toronto Crime Stoppers /Michael Communications Media Group
(P) 416-550-8477 (E) lorne.simon@222tips.com
Larry Straver - Toronto Crime Stoppers
(P) 416-808-7253 (E) crime@222tips.com