CRIME Stoppers Fiji celebrated its 15 years of service to the public at Outrigger on the Lagoon yesterday.
Chairman Graeme Brown said early days of operation were exciting but difficult because people did not take them seriously.
However, he said they overcame those difficulties by creating awareness through the media.
"Co-operation from the public is an important tool which assists us to solve crimes," Mr Brown said.
He said 19 people got together to start Crime Stoppers after the idea from the then commissioner of police Isikia Savua and James Datta.
"We were all excited for the first few weeks and we felt that we were doing something for the country," he said. He said they would organise a crime-free day throughout the country on September 22 to link up everyone.
The chairman west, Anit Singh, said they were involving schools to create awareness in youths.
Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ravi Narayan congratulated Crime Stoppers and applauded their efforts in helping the police.
"Our ultimate goal is to prevent crime and we always work closely with our partners in this quest," Mr Narayan said. "We want to strengthen our relationship with everyone to make Fiji a safer place for all."