Several illegal guns were seized off the streets in Stamford this week thanks to a confidential tip with a cash payout.

"Three guns in four days is the most we've ever had in the seven-year history of the program," said Sgt. Sean Scanlan, with the Stamford Police Department.

Scanlan says the confidential tip line funded by the Police Foundation, which is a group of private citizens, is a crucial part of getting illegal guns off the streets. Just this week, two traditional guns and one ghost gun were seized thanks to anonymous tips.

"Even though it was not manufactured traditionally, it's still very capable and very deadly," said Scanlan.

The person who provides a tip that leads to an arrest can get a $1,000 cash reward. The initiative is part of their new Crime Stoppers program.

"If it helps, whatever it takes to get them off the street, I think is important," said Scanlan. "Anything that a community can do to make itself safer is a good thing."

In the past 24 months, the department has seized 25 guns with the $1,000 per gun payout. Scanlan says it's one more tool to help keep the community protected.

"We want to make sure everyone feels safe and secure in their environment," he said.

Tips can be submitted on other serious crimes through the department's hotline at 203-977-TIPS or by texting 'Tip2SPD' plus your message to 274637.