ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — “Project Anonymous” has been canceled “in its entirety,” Newfoundland and Labrador Crime Stoppers announced on Wednesday morning.
“While we expected debate and discussion, we did not foresee the negative messaging received,” read the statement.
“We ask everyone to remember that Crime Stoppers is a tool in the safety of our communities and as a charitable volunteer organization, the intent was and always will be for the positive good.”
N.L. Crime Stoppers said the point of the campaign was to increase awareness of the anonymous reporting services offered by the non-profit, volunteer organization. The organization accepts anonymous tips from the public, which are used by police to help solve crimes.
“The time was 8:22 p.m. He was hanging around the stairwell wearing a jean jacket. He assaulted that woman,” reads one of the posters of the now-halted campaign.
Critics, like activist Jenny Wright, have said the messages “make survivors of sexual assault feel very Insafe and anxious in their own city.”
No interviews with representatives of the N.L. Crime Stoppers organization have been granted to date.
More to come
Twitter: @DavidMaherNL
- With files from Juanita Mercer
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