CrimeStoppers offers rewards for help to end gun violence

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A weekend shooting, which killed two and injured six others at Club Rayne in Tampa, was captured on cell phone video.

The dramatic gun violence lead Hillsborough State Attorney Mark Ober to speak out against the damage being done to families and communities. 

"These guns, these illegal guns that kill maim our families, our community, our children - must stop," Ober exclaimed Tuesday, flanked by members of Crime Stoppers and other law enforcement agencies.

They are teaming up to form strategies to stop the violence.  

"We're at a point now where we are unsafe, you know, walking in our community - you know there's no safe neighborhoods," said Ober.

A new program called "See It, Say It, Stop It" encourages people to call the Crime Stoppers tip line anonymously and turn people in who might have illegal guns.

If it ends with an arrest, the tipster gets $1,000. Lisa Haber with Crime Stoppers explained how important tips are.

"Somebody that may have an illegal firearm, has used one illegally, we want to be able to get that information before they are able to take that gun a commit a violent offense," said Haber.

Last year, the State Attorneys Office said it had 688 gun prosecutions. Those individuals committed 953 crimes with illegal guns. Ober says something has to change.

"Participate with us. Be vocal. Be vigilant. Be careful," he said.

To submit a tip to Hearland CrimeStoppers, visit http://www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com/