Toronto Police Services 12 Division Report
Homeowner/Tenant Alert!
You can help to increase the safety of your home and neighbourhood by joining a community policing initiative to prevent crime. Through proper attention to home security and protection, you can reduced and discourage unlawful residence entries and enjoy the comfort of your home. The following are a few safety tips to help in achieving this end.
• Join Operation Identification. A program which discourages theft of valuables and identifies stolen property. Maintain an inventory of all household possessions.
• Install dead bolt locks on all exterior doors and self-tapping screws in the upper track of patio doors and windows.
• Ensure that entry locks are changed or re-keyed, if you are a new tenant or owner.
• Secure all basement and ground level windows and patio doors. Use lexon glass where appropriate.
• Make your home fire-safe, eliminate all fire hazards. Install and test smoke alarms and plan and escape route.
Insure your home and contents, and store valuables in a safe and secure place.
• Give your home the lived–in look, with automatic timers.
• Have mail, newspapers etc., picked up, lawns cut or snow removed when you are away from home.
• Trim all shrubs, trees, etc., so that doors and windows are in clear view.
• Be cautious of con games and consumer frauds. Don’t sign contracts without expert opinions.
• Check references of all individuals you employ to work in your home.
As the warm weather approaches we as homeowner’s/tenant’s air out our homes leaving both windows and front doors open while we are at home. We also spend more and more time outside and in particular our backyards leaving our front screen doors unlocked.
An unlocked front door is an open invitation to a would be thief to enter our home and steal a purse or a wallet left unattended while we are out in our yard. Please remember to keep your front/side screen doors locked when you are not inside the house even if it is just for a few minutes.
Identity Theft Crime Prevention Tips
Consumers:1) Guard against releasing your personal information (name, address, family name, DOB, SIN, mother’s maiden name, employment history, salary) to unknown sources (telemarketers, promotions, contests, unsolicited e-mail)
2) Check your accounts frequently and report any irregularities to your financial institutions.
3) Check your status with the credit bureaux at least yearly.
4) Do not throw personal or account information in the trash in a readable form (consider getting a paper shredder).
5) Be aware of broken routines (e.g. mail not delivered; statements not arriving or inquires from companies regarding purchases you didn’t make).
6) Stay informed. Listen for public alerts regarding current scams.Payment card users:
1. Use pay at the pump when possible (avoids possible skimming by attendant).
2. Don’t give out your PIN, and cover the PIN pad whenever using your payment card whether you feel secure or not.
3. Monitor accounts being alert to missed purchases or purchases you didn’t make.Businesses:
1. Familiarise yourself with the equipment and technology used to record or complete consumer transactions, so you can recognise unauthorised equipment.
2. Monitor your information systems to detect unauthorised access or distribution (financial services companies have had employees steal databases for criminal purposes)
3. Know your staff and clients. Practice due diligence to confirm their information.
4. Randomly visit your employees while they are on duty alone, especially your new hires, to monitor their activity. This is not only a good loss prevention strategy it is also an excellent way to ensure your employees feel safe since you can use this opportunity to demonstrate an interest in their welfare.
5. Report your suspicions to your company superiors or your financial institution.Remember if you have any information regarding this crime or any other criminal activity you may call Crime Stoppers at 416 222 TIPS (8477)
The Toronto Police Service is alarmed by the large increase in the number of Traffic Fatalities which occurred in the year 2002.
Last year there were 97 Traffic related deaths. 50 of these people who died were pedestrians. 27 of these 50 people were Senior Citizens. Most of these people ignored the rules of traffic once too often, and paid the ultimate price, they lost their lives.
This year, we are once again approaching similar alarmingly high numbers of deaths.
The Toronto Police Service would like to remind all pedestrians in our community to always be cautious and aware of Traffic Conditions whenever they walk through the neighbourhood.
Pedestrians must always look both ways before crossing any street, even if you are crossing at a green light or Pedestrian Crosswalk. Don’t Jay Walk, always use designated Crosswalks or cross at a green light. Make eye contact with any approaching drivers, to make sure they have seen you and are coming to a stop.
Be Alert, Be Safe, Don’t become a statistic, and don’t become “Road Kill”!
Statistics as of July 2nd, 2003
** Homicide counts are the number of victims
Murder** Sexual assault Assault Robbery Break & Enter Auto Theft Theft Over Total
Crime Information Unit website
Auto-dialing Programme
The “Auto-Dialling” Programme is a FREE, Strictly Confidential, Automated Telephoning System. After you fill out an Authorization Form (available in the Police Community Partnership - 12 Division office at 1884 Davenport Rd), your phone number is added to the call list. You will periodically receive pre-recorded telephone calls, notifying you of any important Concerns; such as an increase in Break-ins, Missing Children information, Potential Sex-Offender movements, or Community Meeting Notices. This is a valuable aid to neighbourhood crime prevention. Enrol Now!!!
Call: 416-808-1208
Code Red
"Code Red" is a programme which involves civilian volunteers assisting the Police during missing persons searches. Our volunteers have been involved in searching for young children, teens and senior citizens. The volunteers have a range of training, from First Aid to organizing a grid search and more.
The "Code Red" programme, which is affiliated with the "Watch On Wheels", is an On Call programme. Which means that the "Code Red" coordinator has a list of names and times when each volunteer would be available to assist in a search, and the coordinator then contacts these volunteers when and if they are needed.
Interested in becoming a "Code Red" volunteer?
Applications are available in the Police Community Partnership - 12 Division Community Office, at 1884 Davenport Road, Suite #2, or contact P. C. Jim Lambe at 12 Division.
Call: 416 - 808 - 1200
Watch On Wheels
The “Watch On Wheels” (WOW) is a citizen's volunteer programme operating throughout 12 Division.
The Goal and Objectives of this programme is to lead by example, assisting the Police to make our community a safer place to live. To show other residents that we, as Police volunteers, are willing to give our time towards making our community a safer place for all our families.
How the “Watch On Wheels” got started:The idea for this programme was started in Fort Worth, Texas. Someone from our community came across it and took a keen interest in the programme and brought the idea back to Toronto.
Do volunteers arrest People?
Absolutely not! “Watch On Wheels” volunteers have no special authority to contravene any section of the Criminal Code of Canada, The Ontario Highway Act, or any other Federal, Provincial or Municipal Act. "WOW" volunteers are also not to intervene directly in any situation they may encounter while on patrol. We assist the Police by acting as extra sets of eyes within our neighbourhood. We don't leave our cars, and we notify the Police whenever we see any suspicious behaviour, stolen or abandoned cars, or someone breaking the law.
Impersonating a Police Officer is a Criminal Offence.
A "WOW" volunteer must never give anyone the impression that they are a Police Officer. This is grounds for immediate dismissal as a Police volunteer.
Do we drive in Police Cars?
NO. Volunteers drive in their own vehicles. At least two volunteers must go out together on each patrol.
Gas is expensive, who pays for that?
Currently, volunteers pay for their own gas used. Usually, volunteers alternate driving to help split the cost. On average, each patrol covers about 50 kms of driving.
How long is a Patrol?
A Patrol normally consists of 3 hours of duty. You start every Patrol by meeting at 12 Division, at a pre-arranged time, and sign in for duty. Volunteers are encouraged to do a minimum of 6 hours per month, or two Patrols.
How old do you have to be to join the programme?
You have to be at least 18 years old before you can join the “Watch On Wheels”.
Do volunteers wear any specific uniform?
Volunteers wear their regular day-to-day clothing. The idea of the “Watch On Wheels” is to appear as inconspicuous as possible.
If I am a retired senior who does not drive, am I out of luck?
Absolutely not. You may partner up with someone who does drive.
Do Patrols go out in the wintertime?
Yes. Crime is not seasonal. We Patrol all year round, during the day or at night.
What satisfaction do you get?
Being a “Watch On Wheels” volunteer can be very satisfying. Volunteers receive on going training focused on specific types of crime. This makes us more aware of what to look out for. Stolen vehicles, insecure premises, and numerous suspicious activities have all been reported by our volunteers over the years.
Do the Police think you are taking their jobs away?
No. The Police work hand in hand with us and we have been welcomed by all at 12 Division. We are another set of eyes and ears out there, watching our community.
Is it dangerous?
No. Volunteers never leave their vehicles unless asked to by the Police to help in a search.
Ok, I want to sign up! Let's hit the road!
Not so fast. First, you must have a prescreening interview with a Police Officer at 12 Division. Then, you must be screened, fingerprinted, and receive clearance from the RCMP. After being accepted into the “Watch On Wheels” you will have to attend a training session where you will then be sworn in as a "WOW" volunteer.
If you are interested in joining the “Watch On Wheels”, or for more information contact P. C. Jim Lambe at 12 Division by calling the number below. Get involved in keeping our neighbourhood safe for all of our families!
Call: 416 - 808 - 1208
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