The Erie County District Attorney's Office is increasing rewards for tips that lead to illegal weapons.

DA Michael Keane says his office will use the proceeds from criminal activities that were seized by authorities to support Crime Stoppers Western New York in an effort to increase gun arrest rewards to $1,500, with an additional $100 added for each additional weapon seized.

"Community involvement is critically important in our collaborative effort to both prevent and solve crimes. This funding will support the mission of Crime Stoppers WNY and assist our partners in law enforcement, but more importantly, it will make our community safer for everyone. Tips from the public are crucial to identify potentially dangerous criminals and remove illegal guns from our neighborhoods. Crime Stoppers WNY provides an opportunity for people to anonymously report this information to police. I hope this extra incentive will encourage more citizens to come forward and work collaboratively with law enforcement. I encourage anyone with knowledge about illegal guns, unsolved homicides or any other criminal activity to contact Crime Stoppers WNY," said Keane.

Crime Stoppers assists law enforcement in eight counties by offering rewards for anonymous tips submitted by phone, through their website or the Buffalo Tips mobile app.

"Crime Stoppers is committed to helping reduce crime by providing a safe environment for people to come forward with information of known criminals. This commitment from the District Attorney’s Office and Erie County will help in our goal to reduce crime and get guns off the streets of Western New York," said Paul Catalano, chairman of Crime Stoppers WNY.

Between January 2022 and July 2024, a total of 84 illegal firearms were seized during a law enforcement investigation as the result of anonymous information submitted to Crime Stoppers WNY.