Kentucky agencies to combat firearm theft through initiative with payouts of up to $3,000

Kentucky agencies are implementing a new initiative to address firearm theft and gun crimes by awarding those with information on weapons up to a few thousand dollars.

According to a news release from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the agency is partnering with Kentuckiana Crime Stoppers and Louisville Metro Police to kick off the program, intended to “help combat firearms theft and improve public safety across Kentuckiana.”

Those with “information leading to arrest and seizure of stolen firearms” can earn up to $3,000. Kentuckiana Crime Stoppers will award $1,000, and the ATF will match it while additional firearms located earn $500 with a max payout of $3,000.

LMPD Police Chief Paul Humphrey said Crime Stopper programs have been relatively successful in Louisville. More than 100 homicides occurred in 2023, with comparable numbers so far this year.

“LMPD and its partners rely on information provided by members of the community to help combat the gun violence plaguing our neighborhoods,” Humphrey said. “Crime Stopper programs have a proven track record of success in helping keep a city safe by providing tipsters with a safe and anonymous method of reporting information crucial to law enforcement.”

Louisville Crime 2024 Louisville homicides: 1 dead after shooting in Russell neighborhood

Individuals with information can submit tips anonymously at (502) 582-CLUE (2583) or online at http://www.582clue.com.