Crime Stoppers is ready to take anonymous tips from anyone who can help identify suspects in two recent cases.  Tips can be called in by dialing (205) 254-7777.  Also, encrypted tips can be submitted online by logging onto www.birminghamcrimestoppers.org and clicking on the "submit an online tip" link.

Code numbers are assigned to those who submit tips.  If an arrest is made based on a tip, whoever provided the tip first is entitled to a cash reward.  Code numbers are used to collect rewards, meaning identities never have to be revealed.

Woman Robbed, Beaten:  This case began early on the morning of July 11.  An elderly woman was returning to her home in Center Point when a group of men with pistols robbed her and severely beat her.

A couple hours later, three suspects were caught on camera at the Wal-Mart in Roebuck.  Detectives said the men were shopping with the victim's stolen credit cards.

"Their lack of respect for life is horrible," Lieutenant Bill Musgrove of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said.  "As clear as these videos are, somebody knows these folks."

Later on July 11, two additional men were caught on surveillance.  Detectives said they were also shopping with the victim's credit cards.  The two additional suspects brought the total number of suspects to five.

The suspects are believed to be local to the Center Point or Roebuck areas.  Musgrove said it was important for anyone who recognizes the men to provide Crime Stoppers with an anonymous tip on who or where they are.  He said the safety of neighbors in the community depends on the ability to find and arrest the men.

"What happened to your neighbor two weeks ago - you could be next," Musgrove warned.  "Help us out."

Highway 79 Holdup:  This case comes from early July, when three suspects were seen entering a convenience store as it was closing.  The store, known as "Carl's C Store," is located along Highway 79 a few miles north of Pinson.

The men wore disguises in an effort to conceal their identities.  But one of the suspects made a mistake.

The "lookout man" approached a window to see if anyone was coming toward the store.  As he did so, his face was reflected in the glass.  Detectives urged anyone who might recognize the suspect to call in a tip and let them check it out.

"Any tip is a good tip," Musgrove said.  "Someone thinks it could be someone?  Give that information to us.  We turn it over to the detective."

Musgrove assured viewers of the need to call Crime Stoppers, even if they are not sure their information is correct.  He said detectives would review all information, and if the tip proves credible, they will then work to make an arrest.  And that arrest could then lead to the capture of the other suspects in the case.

It was unclear if the Highway 79 case could be connected to other recent robberies in northeastern Jefferson County.  Deputies are working to solve several cases involving teams of suspects who clearly had a plan as they staged their holdups.

Your tip could be the one that puts an end to the trend.  "The frequency of the robberies is picking up," Musgrove said.

Crime Stoppers is a partnership between local law enforcement, the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and ABC 33/40.  Together, our goal is to make our community a safer place to live and work.