(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers announced on Monday, Jan. 6, that the organization will start to provide Crime Stopper window signs to businesses that are members of the Downtown Partnership to help reduce crime. According to Crime Stoppers, the well-known "STOP" shield with the crime stopper phone number will be displayed in the windows and entrances of businesses downtown, acting as a deterrent and providing easy access to their contact information. Courtesy: Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers “We are happy to share our STOP logo with downtown businesses. It acts as a deterrent to criminal acts like shoplifting, burglary, and assault,” said Don Addy, Chairman of the local Crime Stoppers nonprofit. “Our program provides a phone number and website where citizens who witness or know of a crime can call and provide information and be totally anonymous. Andif an arrest occurs, we will pay a cash reward.” Downtown Partnership has a strong security system that it provides to all downtown businesses, and the expectation is that the additional partnership will further enhance the area as a safe and desirable place to shop or do business. “We work every day to make Downtown a welcoming and enjoyable experience for all,” said Chelsea Gondeck, Executive Director of Downtown BID. “We see this partnership as an opportunity to continue to enhance our safety efforts for all Downtown patrons and further support our storefront businesses.” Business owners have expressed their appreciation for the support from Crime Stoppers. “As a former police officer, I appreciate the value of Crime Stoppers in helping businesses operate safely," said Pat Rigdon, former owner of Mary’s Mountain Cookies at 7 S. Tejon and former Colorado Springs Police Deputy Chief. "I commend the Downtown Partnership for this initiative.”