Crime Prevention around the house and yard
You can’t be on guard 24 hours a day or be expected to stay up nights wondering if a criminal might be lurking around your property. There are things you can do to minimize your risk of becoming a crime victim. Among them:
• Make sure all doors, windows and skylights to your house and garage are always closed and locked.
• Park your vehicle in a locked garage if possible.
• Keep your vehicle locked at all times.
• Use your exterior lighting. Regularly check to ensure all exterior lighting around your home is powered and operational.
• Install exterior lighting around the complete perimeter of your home if you don’t already have it.
• If you have a back alley or easement, be sure no unauthorized person can get into this area.
• Beware of landscaping that may provide cover or concealment for someone lurking around your home.
• Trim back trees and bushes on your property.
• Ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your home with the promise you’ll do the same for them. Concentrate on houses where people are away on vacation.
• Make sure there are no sources of flammable materials left out in the open, like rags, wood, gasoline cans, newspapers etc. Lock and chain barbeque propane tanks including spare tanks to prevent them from being stolen, used as a means to break a window or as a source of flammable material.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Report any suspicious person(s) or events to the police.
• Do not delay in calling the police. Hesitate only long enough to ensure your safety. Then call immediately. The faster the police are able to respond, the better the chances the criminal(s) will be arrested.
• Sunday the 7th of November 2010 is daylight savings time and also time to change batteries in smoke alarms. Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every floor of your home and they are regularly checked and are operational.
• Talk to your family about a fire plan and how to get out if a blaze strikes your home. Remember to arrange a specific meeting place so everyone knows all the members of your household escaped from the home safely.
General Toronto Police Contact Information
9-1-1 Should be used for the following emergencies:
•Crime in progress – situations where the safety of people or property are at risk
•Fire
•Medical emergency
416-808-2222 Should be used for non-emergency situations
416-222-TIPS – Crime Stoppers – Report anonymously to police any information regarding a crime (or online at http://www.222tips.com) Text TOR and your message to CRI MES (274637)
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