Crime Stoppers first began in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1976. A partnership with media and law enforcement began an effort to assist the police in solving crimes. A cash reward was offered to anonymous persons who telephoned with information leading to an arrest.

Crime Stoppers spread throughout the USA and in 1979 the national organization Crime Stoppers USA was formed.

The first Canadian program started in Calgary in 1982, followed quickly by Edmonton, Victoria, Vancouver and Toronto. Provincial and National Crime Stoppers organizations have been established (British Columbia Crime Stoppers Advisory Board,

Crime Stoppers programs have spread to 21 countries around the world with a total of over 1,000 programs in operation. Crime Stoppers International was formed in 1984. Crime Stoppers programs worldwide have solved over a half a million crimes and recovered over 3 billion dollars worth of stolen property and narcotics.

The Nanaimo and District Crime Stoppers program started in March of 1990.