Saskatoon Crime Stoppers are poking around for criminal-catching tips in a new way.

The volunteer-based organization, which specializes in acquiring crime tips, has started a Facebook group to help gain information from social networkers in the Saskatoon community.

The group has attracted a few ‘friends’ - including government officials, private investigators, a weatherman and news anchor, radio personalities, teachers, and business people - but have only managed to snag two people under the age of 18 in the group of nearly 50 members.

Const. Carolyn Wensley, spokesperson for Saskatoon Crime Stoppers, said she’s hoping the site will attract a broader audience over time.

“It was only set up a few weeks ago, so we figure that these were people that already had their finger on the pulse of our organization,” she said. “We’re hoping that the site will eventually get the attention of younger people that just don’t know about our programs.”

Wensley said the organization plans on putting up information booths at the University of Saskatchewan to help raise awareness about new ways to submit tips. Traditionally, Crime Stoppers had used its phone and e-mail services for anonymous tips, but have recently plunged into the social networking community. They will also be launching a text messaging tip service at the end of this month.

Facebook and other similar web sites have gained popularity with law organizations in Canada as another outlet to help solve crimes. Most recently in Saskatchewan, a group that was damaging political lawn signs during last November’s provincial election were caught, thanks to the discovery of a Facebook group promoting the practice.

Alyson Edwards, spokesperson for the Saskatoon Police Service, said the city police aren’t ready join Crime Stoppers in ‘poking’ and ‘wall posts’ to aid in investigations just yet.

“It’s kind of a difficult issue for a police service. You’re leaving yourself open for some questionable postings or questionable access,” said Edwards. “We just aren’t there yet, but we’ll continue to consider advancements like that in order to find new ways to connect with people.”