Lodi Area Crime Stoppers

Lodi Area Crime Stoppers Overview and Major Cases

Organization Overview

Lodi Area Crime Stoppers, Inc. is a non-profit organization established in March 1984 that serves as a vital link between the community and law enforcement agencies in the Lodi area. The organization encompasses all communities in northern San Joaquin County and is designed to provide law enforcement agencies with anonymous information regarding criminal activity.

The organization is guided by a Board of Directors comprised of 15 local citizens who set policies, raise funds, and determine the amount and method of reward payment. The Lodi Police Department serves as the liaison to the Crime Stoppers Board by providing a police coordinator.

Mission and Operations

Core Function: Lodi Area Crime Stoppers operates on the principle of anonymity, allowing citizens to report crimes without fear of retaliation or identification. The organization facilitates the flow of information from the community to law enforcement while protecting tipster identities through encrypted communication channels.

Coverage Area: The program covers the Lodi area and surrounding northern San Joaquin County communities, working closely with local law enforcement agencies.

Contact Information

Primary Contact Methods:

Phone Hotline: 209-369-2746 (available 24/7)
Website: 369crime.com
Submit a tip: Here
P3 Tips Mobile App: Available for both iOS and Android devices
Physical Address: 215 W Elm Street, Lodi, CA 95240

Tipsters can submit information through any of these channels while remaining completely anonymous. The P3 Tips app allows for two-way encrypted communication, enabling tipsters to provide additional information and check the status of their tips.

Reward System

Lodi Area Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to arrests:

Maximum Reward: Up to $1,000 depending on the type of crime
Reward Determination: The Board of Directors determines reward amounts based on the severity of the crime and value of the information
Special Programs: Tips submitted within the first 48 hours of a felony may qualify for doubled rewards
Enhanced Rewards: The Luis G. Alvarez Jr. Rewards for Justice Foundation partners with Crime Stoppers to offer increased rewards for specific unsolved homicide cases

Major Cases and Investigations

Luis G. Alvarez Jr. Murder (2016)

One of the most significant cases involving Crime Stoppers was the murder of Luis G. Alvarez Jr., known as "Chachi," who was shot and killed on April 2, 2016, outside the Star Hotel on Main Street in Lodi. While the perpetrator was eventually caught, this case led to the formation of the Luis G. Alvarez Jr. Rewards for Justice Foundation, which now partners with Crime Stoppers to offer enhanced rewards for unsolved homicides.

Triple Homicide Investigation (2024)

In June 2024, Crime Stoppers assisted in the investigation of a triple homicide in Lodi where 60-year-old Joe Penna, 69-year-old Kim Wei, and 45-year-old Alfred Wynn were murdered. Steven Guerrero Jr., 25, was arrested in September 2024 for these murders. The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office is seeking the death penalty in this case.

Vincent Nateras Cold Case (1989)

Crime Stoppers continues to seek information on the 1989 murder of Vincent Nateras, who was struck in the head on May 16, 1989. This case remains one of several cold cases that the organization highlights during their annual "Cold Case Week".

Recent Retail Theft Operations (2024)

Crime Stoppers has been instrumental in retail theft investigations, including a significant case in August 2024 where four suspects were arrested and over $6,000 worth of stolen merchandise was recovered from CVS and Target stores in Lodi.

Mobile Billboard Initiative (2024)

In a innovative approach to solving cold cases, Crime Stoppers partnered with the Luis G. Alvarez Foundation to utilize a mobile three-sided digital billboard to display information about unsolved homicides throughout San Joaquin County. This initiative has already featured at least a dozen unsolved homicide cases and aims to increase public awareness and generate new leads.

Community Impact and Success Stories

Cold Case Initiative: Lodi Police Department, working with Crime Stoppers, has implemented comprehensive cold case tracking systems and maintains regular contact with victims' families. Every cold case is digitally tracked and prioritized based on available physical evidence and emerging DNA testing techniques.

Recent Arrests: Crime Stoppers tips have led to numerous successful arrests including:

Five arrests made in connection with arson at Lodi Lake's north restroom
Multiple retail theft suspects apprehended through anonymous tips
Recovery of stolen vehicles and property

Community Partnerships: The organization works closely with:

Lodi Police Foundation for additional funding
Luis G. Alvarez Jr. Rewards for Justice Foundation for enhanced rewards
Local businesses through the Business Watch program
Neighborhood Watch groups throughout the community

Technology and Innovation

Lodi Area Crime Stoppers has embraced modern technology to enhance their effectiveness:

P3 Tips Platform: Provides secure, encrypted communication allowing tipsters to submit photos, videos, and maintain two-way dialogue with investigators
Multi-lingual Support: The P3 Tips app offers multi-lingual capabilities to serve diverse communities
Digital Tracking: All tips and cases are digitally managed for improved efficiency and follow-up

The organization remains committed to its core mission of providing a safe, anonymous channel for citizens to assist law enforcement in solving crimes while protecting the identities of those who come forward with information. Through continuous innovation and strong community partnerships, Lodi Area Crime Stoppers continues to play a crucial role in maintaining public safety in northern San Joaquin County.