Crime Stoppers of Sangamon and Menard Counties unveiled a truly unique program to rid neighborhoods of drug trafficking and drug houses by creating a highly visible presence combined with a door to door campaign.

The Dumpster Program utilizes the strategic placement of an inoperable dumpster which will alert neighbors to drug activity in their neighborhood. It will be supplemented with a leaflet campaign whereby the neighborhood is blanketed with information helping the public better identify illicit drug activity. If residents recognize any such activity, they are asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 217-788-8427.

"This is a proactive approach to help rid our community of illegal drug activity," said Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin. "By creating a very visible reminder to those involved that such activity will not be tolerated, we hope to reduce the proliferation of drug houses and eliminate these sore spots in our neighborhoods. This campaign will capitalize on the resources of neighbors to help alert police to illicit activity so that appropriate action can be quickly taken."

The program works by placing the specially painted dumpster at the request of neighborhood associations in neighborhoods where drug activity is suspected. It will be left in one location for a period of time, then moved to new places as the need arises. Since illicit drug activity can be occurring in anywhere in the city, the dumpster will likely show up in a variety of neighborhoods.

The dumpster program was developed and recommended by Springfield Police Lieutenant Bill Neale, when he served as Crime Stoppers coordinator. Bill has taken the lead and developed the entire program from start to finish. He has contacted a number of businesses who have voluntarily contributed items or services. Everything involving the program has been donated including the dumpster and a towing service to move it.