Posted By Natasha Marar, Times-Journal

On May 20, Brent Kidders will be arrested at work by St. Thomas police officers and tried before a judge before being whisked away to jail.

But he hasn't committed a crime.

He's participating in a mock arrest and sentencing, all in an effort to raise money for the annual St. Thomas Crime Stoppers bail or jail event.
 
Around 60 people will offer themselves up as suspects on May 20 and 21 and be placed in a makeshift jail in front of the Real Canadian Superstore on Talbot Street.

Mayor Cliff Barwick, Elgin-Middlesx-London MP Joe Preston and MPP Steve Peters will also face the long arm of the law.

"There's a huge arrest list," noted St. Thomas police Const. Katherine McNeil, who is coordinating the event.

"Most people do sign up in advance and know full well what's going on. But sometimes (co-workers) set it up where the person doesn't know they are being arrested," she explained.

Detainees will be placed in a plastic pipe jail cell and set free after they gather enough donations from friends, family and co-workers. The detainee who raises the most money will win an award.

Crime Stoppers funds its rewards to tipsters solely from the money donated at bail or jail and other fundraising events throughout the year.

Kidders is hoping to raise $500 for the program and already has received $225 in donations.

"Crime Stoppers is a great program, and I'm also involved in their bowling tournament," said Kidders, a sales manager at Elgin Chrysler.

St. Thomas Crime Stoppers president Dan Dale is hoping the event will raise at least $10,000. Bail or Jail received $16,000 in donations in 2006 and $11,600 in 2007.

Since becoming president last year, Dale has helped increase the number of Crime Stoppers board members from five to 15.

"Especially with the state of the economy right now, crimes seem to increase. So it's an important cause, and all the money for (tipster) rewards comes from fundraising," Dale said.

Those wishing to participate in bail or jail can contact McNeil at 519-631-1224, ext. 153.