Crime has been reported to be on the increase in several area communities and Trigg County Sheriff Ray Burnam is breaking new ground on finding wanted fugitives there.

Sheriff Burnam says he has spoken with Hopkinsville-Christian County Crime Stoppers Coordinator Paul Ray about helping officials there organize their own Crime Stoppers program.

The Christian County program is funded by donations from local businesses and residents, who have an interest in reducing crime in the area. Fugitives of Week are featured on newscasts and the donated money is used to give cash rewards to anonymous tipsters who help police find the wanted fugitives.

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01/11/2012/am