Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services – Home Security Audit Guide

Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services – Home Security Audit Guide “People tend to think of burglary in strictly physical terms – as illegal access to your home, items taken and/or items destroyed. But burglary can have a significant impact on a person’s mental well-being. Burglary victims often speak of a sense of violation. This can lead to feelings of fear, anger and emotional distress, particularly in children and the elderly. To protect your loved ones, your property and your home, you are encouraged to improve the security in and around your home! This Home Security Audit Guide provides general information about keeping your home secure. It provides guidance about taking precautions to reduce the risk of burglary around your home. Inexpensive and do-it-yourself suggestions are provided to help you maximize the security of your home. For further information and assistance, you or your community group may want to contact your local police service or crime prevention association.” To arrange a free, personal home security audit call your local Division’s Crime Prevention Officer.  For 11 Division home and business owners please call416-808-1108. http://bit.ly/13htsjD

Emergency Preparedness Week‏

Emergency Preparedness Week Emergency Preparedness Week is a national awareness initiative that encourages all Canadians to take steps to become better prepared to face a range of emergencies. Your participation can assure that you and your family will be better prepared for emergency situations whether you’re at home or not. http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/kts/index-eng.aspx

TPS] – Public Awareness Campaign, Needhelpnow.ca‏

Toronto Police Service News Release

Public Awareness Campaign, Needhelpnow.ca

Sex Crimes Unit
416-808-8500

Youth today are managing a variety of challenging issues and, while technology has certainly opened up new opportunities, it has also had an impact on teens’ lives in ways no one could have imagined. 

[TPS] – Media advisory, Thursday, March 21, 2013, 11 a.m., Dundas Street West/Huron Street, Project “Blue Serpent”‏

Toronto Police Service News Release

Media advisory, Thursday, March 21, 2013, 11 a.m., Dundas Street West/Huron Street, Project “Blue Serpent”

Wednesday, March 20, 2013 – 3:51 PM
52 Division
416-808-5200

On Thursday, March 21, 2013, at 11 a.m., Acting Unit Commander Howard Page and the Chinatown Business Improvement Area Chair Tony Louie will meet at the corner of Dundas Street West and Huron Street to announce the start of Project “Blue Serpent.”

Keep an eye on your valuables‏

Keep an eye on your valuables Recently, there has been a noticeable increase of thefts in a number of retail businesses in the division. These thefts involve the removal of purses or wallets from purses left in shopping carts while the shopper is distracted looking at items or at the checkout. Please remember to be aware of your surroundings and those around you at all times.  Know where your valuables are and keep an eye on them.  Do not leave your wallet in plain view in an unfastened purse. Do not carry large sums of cash or credit cards and identification that are not needed for that shopping trip. Do not write personal identification numbers (PINS) on debit and credit cards.  If you need a written reminder, do not keep the written PINS for those debit and credit cards t ogether in the same wallet. Remember, if a purse containing house or car keys is stolen the risk of having your house broken into or your car stolen is made that much greater.

Romance or Dating Scam‏

Romance or Dating Scam In 2011, Romance scams emerged as highest grossing scam, with over 12 million in losses reported by Canadians. This scam has also lead to incidents of suicide in cases where victims have lost their life saving and have been emotionally destroyed. • Romance scams will continue to have a profound impact on Canadians and cause severe financial loss in 2013. • These scams have proliferated with the increase use of social media – social networking sites and dating sites. These sites are most common with scams that require a level of trust between the victim and the fraudster. • In the Romance scam the fraudsters have demonstrated that they are willing to develop the relationship over extended periods of time. This increases the trust level between the victim and fraudster and will result in higher dollar losses. This also results in a negative social impact on the victim as they have developed emotional and psychological attachment to the fraudster. • Generally, Romance scams involve the victim and the fraudster meeting through a social networking site. The fraudster will gain the trust of the victim through displays of affection. While the fraudster is usually located in a distant country, eventually wanting to meet the victim in person. It is at this time the fraudster will advise they can’t afford to travel and will seek assistance from the victim in covering travel cost. Other variations include the fraudster presenting situations of emergency/ urgency, such as a sick family member, and seeking financial assistance from the victim for various costs. • Some incidents have also occurred at the local level and involved the victims actually meeting the suspects to go out on dates and meeting at the victim residence. These cases are creating concerns for personal safety. For example, in one incident the victim reported having her wallet and some jewellery stolen from home. Indicators • Distressed citizen worried about a loved one • Talking about good friend or loved one in another country that is coming to visit or needs help. • Mentions Western Union or MoneyGram • Frequenting the bank more often • Making unusual withdrawals both in amounts and frequency. • Making multiple withdrawals ranging from $500‐ $3000 in Cash. • Making large dollar wire transfers to countries in Africa, Asia or Eastern Europe To contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501) to report it. For more information please visit http://www.an tifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/english/home.html Fraud: Recognize it. Report it. Stop it.

Scam Alert‏

Scam Alert The Toronto Police would like to make the public aware of an arrest in a nationwide Secret Shopper Scam.  It is alleged that unsuspecting victims are being recruited for gainful employment as secret shoppers. Once hired, the victim is sent cheques to cash using their own bank account.  The victim is then instructed to use a portion of this money to shop at various businesses and grade the service they received at those businesses. One of the final instructions given to the victim is to use and grade the services of a cheque cashing business.  They are given a name and destination by the employer and told to send money, by wire transfer to this destination.  The money to be sent is a large percentage of the money they’d obtained earlier by cashing the cheques. The victi m would later learn the cheques initially deposited into their accounts, were fraudulent.

Fraud Alert

Fraud Alert The Toronto Strategic Partnership* would like to make the public aware of a “phishing scam” targeting credit card holders. “Phishing” is a technique used to trick people into providing personal, financial, or password data by leading consumers to believe that a request for information is coming from a legitimate source. In reality, it is a malicious attempt to collect consumer information for the purpose of committing fraud. These requests often ask for information that will be used to commit fraud. People are being contacted through email, text messaging and phone calls from suspects attempting to get personal credit card details such as credit card numbers, PINs, and the three digit code (CVV2/CVC2) on the back of a credit card. The Toronto Strategic Partnership recom mends the following steps to protect your credit card data: − do not provide any personal or credit card information − ask the caller to provide his/her name, department, and extension − tell the representative you want to verify their information and end the call − never use verification provided by the person/entity that contacts you − take steps to verify what is being told to you by calling the phone number on your credit card or billing statement − contact your local police to report the incident or the Canadian Anti−fraud Centre for more information on this and other similar scams.

14 Division – Home Security Tips‏

14 Division – Home Security Tips Most thieves look to steal small, expensive easy to carry & conceal items – cash, wallets, purses, credit cards, identification, jewellery and electronic equipment. Remember to take steps to safe guard these items. Don’t give a thief a free opportunity, remember to lock your doors and windows. • 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 hav e 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. Make use of hostile plants with thorns to keep out unwanted people. • 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. • Be aware of your surroundings and what is going on in your neighbourhood. • Report any suspicious person(s) or events to the police. People going away should take extra steps to help ensure home security. Put lights on timers, make arrangements to cancel newspaper delivery, have door to door flyers picked up and have someone check your home regularly. Never leave notes or recorded messages which let people know you are not home. You should report suspicious people or events to the police at once. Contact numbers: 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 (8477) – Crime Stoppers – Report anonymously to police any information regarding a crime (or online at www.222tips.com) Text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Further tips follow this link: http://on.fb.me/Zghp5P Message prepared by P.C. Gord Reid #1703, 14 Division, Crime Prevention.

[TPS] – Heavy snow forecast, Winter driving tips‏

Toronto Police Service News Release

Heavy snow forecast, Winter driving tips

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 – 10:54 AM
Traffic Services
416-808-1900

Thursday’s forecast is anticipating increased snowfall in the Toronto area. To ensure you are ready, here are some reminders from the Toronto Police Service:

[TPS] – Operation Safe Commute, Monday, January 21, 2013 to Sunday, January 27, 2013‏

Toronto Police Service News Release

Operation Safe Commute, Monday, January 21, 2013 to Sunday, January 27, 2013

Sunday, January 20, 2013 – 6:00 PM
14 Division
416-808-1424

The Toronto Police Service’s 14 Division will be initiating a zero-tolerance enforcement campaign entitled “Operation – Safe Commute”. The campaign will run from Monday, January 21, 2013 to Sunday, January 27, 2013.

Business Robbery Alert‏

Business Robbery Alert 42 Division would like to advise all our subscribers, especially our Business Community that there were two similar robberies over the past weekend where the robbers waited outside the business establishment at the end of the work day for the employee carrying what appeared to be a money bag and robbed them. Please be reminded to remain vigilant in regards to your business location. Take a look outside often and if you see anything at all suspicious such as vehicles parked nearby with or without occupants or individuals hanging out or looking out of place in the area to please call the police immediately at 416 808-2222. If a crime is in progress or about to happen call 911. When carrying cash do not make it obvious, conceal it in a knapsack or other carrier. If possible do several money drops during the shift so as not to have the cash with you when leaving after work. Continue to monitor your surroundings until you are safely leaving in your vehicle and leaving the location. Please have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season. Gary Gomez Police Constable # 6528 42 Division Crime Prevention Toronto Police Service 416 808-4220 gary.gomez@torontopolice.on.ca

[TPS] – 9-1-1 poster and video campaign winners announced‏

Toronto Police Service News Release

9-1-1 poster and video campaign winners announced

Monday, December 10, 2012 – 6:30 PM
Communications Services
416-808-8899

Over 2,000,000 calls, both 9-1-1 and non-emergency 416-808-2222 calls, were placed to the Communications Call Centre in Toronto in 2011. That is a 7% increase in call volume since 2010. Of the over 2,000,000 calls made, 227,000 were placed to 9-1-1 directly.

[TPS] – Monday, November 5, 2012, “STEP UP and Be Safe” pedestrian campaign‏

Toronto Police Service News Release

Monday, November 5, 2012, “STEP UP and Be Safe” pedestrian campaign

Sunday, November 4, 2012 – 7:00 PM
Traffic Services
416-808-1900

The “STEP UP and Be Safe” pedestrian campaign will run from Monday, November 5, 2012 to Sunday, November 11, 2012.

“Traffic Safety” continues to be identified as a Toronto Police Service priority with an increased focus on pedestrian safety, especially seniors.

[TPS] – Media advisory, Operation Impact results Friday, October 5, 2012 – Monday, October 8, 2012‏

Media advisory, Operation Impact results Friday, October 5, 2012 – Monday, October 8, 2012

Wednesday, October 10, 2012 – 4:04 PM
Traffic Services
416-808-1900

Traffic Safety continues to be identified as a priority for the Toronto Police Service. The 22nd annual ‘Operation Impact’ took place during the Thanksgiving weekend. It began on Friday, October 5, 2012 and ended Monday, October 8, 2012.

[TPS] – 9-1-1 PSA Campaign, “Take a Minute to Save a Minute”‏

9-1-1 PSA Campaign, “Take a Minute to Save a Minute”

Wednesday, October 10, 2012 – 2:25 PM
Communications Services
416-808-8899

This month’s 9-1-1 PSA campaign focuses on 9-1-1 misdials in the workplace.

If your business must dial “9” to access an outside line, we ask that you “Take a minute to save a minute”.

Toronto Police Services After School Program

tps – yip after school – 27 sep

[TPS] – Operation: Keep It Moving Toronto initiative Zero tolerance for vehicles parked in no stopping zones‏

Toronto Police Service News Release

Operation: Keep It Moving Toronto initiative Zero tolerance for vehicles parked in no stopping zones

Monday, September 17, 2012 – 1:30 PM
52 Division
416-808-5268

This truck was towed at 8:45 a.m. from University Avenue south of Dundas Street West in a no stopping zone. The expense for this particular truck amounted to a $600 drop fee + HST in addition to a $60 parking ticket.

Due to positive and effective results, “Operation: Keep It Moving Toronto” will be an ongoing initiative in the downtown core.

[TPS] – Let’s go to the Ex, Visit Communications Services while you’re there‏

Meet the Dispatchers at the Ex

 

Toronto Police Service News Release

Let’s go to the Ex, Visit Communications Services while you’re there

Friday, August 10, 2012 – 2:10 PM
Communications Services
416-808-8800

[TPS] – Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, but it begins with you‏

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, but it begins with you

Wednesday, March 14, 2012 – 5:10 PM
Traffic Services
416-808-1900

[TPS] – Distracted driving campaign results “Don’t Drive Distracted”

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Distracted driving campaign results “Don’t Drive Distracted”

Tuesday, February 21, 2012 – 3:11 PM
Traffic Services
416-808-1900

On Monday, February 13, 2012, the Toronto Police Service launched a one-week enforcement campaign, “Don’t Drive Distracted”.

[TPS] – Media advisory, Monday, February 13, 2012 to Sunday, February 19, 2012, “Don’t Drive Distracted”‏

Media advisory, Monday, February 13, 2012 to Sunday, February 19, 2012, “Don’t Drive Distracted”

Sunday, February 12, 2012 – 1:00 PM
Traffic Services
416-808-1900

[TPS] – Take a minute and get to know your smartphone, Learn how to lock your device‏

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Take a minute and get to know your smartphone, Learn how to lock your device

Thursday, February 9, 2012 – 2:00 PM
Communications Services
416-808-8899

Hiring a Mover, some quick tips‏

Hiring a Mover, some quick tips

Moving can be a stressful experience no matter what the distance. With some careful planning and understanding of your consumer rights and responsibilities, you can avoid some of the common complaints.

[TPS] – Open House, Sunday, January 15, 2012, noon, 53 Division, 75 Eglinton Avenue West‏

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Open House, Sunday, January 15, 2012, noon, 53 Division, 75 Eglinton Avenue West

Saturday, January 14, 2012 – 6:00 AM
53 Division
416-808-5300

[TPS] – 2011 Holiday R.I.D.E. program, Final update‏

Toronto Police Service
News Release

2011 Holiday R.I.D.E. program, Final update

Monday, January 9, 2012 – 2:14 PM
Traffic Services
416-808-1920

[TPS] – Distracted driving, “Last Call: Whatever You Have To Say Can Wait”‏

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Distracted driving, “Last Call: Whatever You Have To Say Can Wait”

Thursday, January 5, 2012 – 11:51 AM
Traffic Services
416-808-1900

[TPS] – Media advisory, Wednesday, December 21, 2011, 10:30 a.m., Headquarters, media gallery, News conference Hold Up Squad requests public assistance with series of bank robberies‏

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Media advisory, Wednesday, December 21, 2011, 10:30 a.m., Headquarters, media gallery, News conference Hold Up Squad requests public assistance with series of bank robberies

[TPS] – Media advisory, Wednesday, December 21, 2011, 10 a.m., Toronto North Collision Reporting Centre 113 Toryork Drive, “Come See the C.R.C.”‏

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Media advisory, Wednesday, December 21, 2011, 10 a.m., Toronto North Collision Reporting Centre 113 Toryork Drive, “Come See the C.R.C.”

TPS] – Media advisory, Tuesday, December 20, 2011, 11 a.m., Headquarters, 40 College Street, Chief Blair presents Victim Services Toronto with cheque for more than $111,000‏

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Media advisory, Tuesday, December 20, 2011, 11 a.m., Headquarters, 40 College Street, Chief Blair presents Victim Services Toronto with cheque for more than $111,000

Tuesday, December 20, 2011 – 8:45 AM
Corporate Communications
416-808-7100

[TPS] – Media advisory, Wednesday, December 21, 2011, 10 a.m., Toronto North Collision Reporting Centre 113 Toryork Drive, “Come See the C.R.C.”‏

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Media advisory, Wednesday, December 21, 2011, 10 a.m., Toronto North Collision Reporting Centre 113 Toryork Drive, “Come See the C.R.C.”

[TPS] – 55 Division’s Project Garmin to be Scrooge To Thieves‏

Toronto Police Service
News Release

55 Division’s Project Garmin to be Scrooge To Thieves

Wednesday, December 14, 2011 – 3:56 PM
55 Division
416-808-5500

55 Division has launched Project Garmin, a uniform and non-uniform project with a focus on the shopping areas within 55 Division, to try to eliminate thefts from vehicles this holiday season.

[TPS] – Etobicoke Lakeshore Chistmas Parade, Saturday, December 3, 2011, Road closures‏

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Etobicoke Lakeshore Chistmas Parade, Saturday, December 3, 2011, Road closures

Friday, November 18, 2011 – 1:55 PM
Special Events
416-808-5050

[TPS] – Media advisory, Thursday, November 10, 2011, 6:30 p.m., 430 Burnhamthorpe Road, Community Domestic Violence Awareness Seminar‏

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Media advisory, Thursday, November 10, 2011, 6:30 p.m., 430 Burnhamthorpe Road, Community Domestic Violence Awareness Seminar

[TPS] – Crime Prevention Week kick-off event, Monday, November 7, 2011, 10 a.m., Police headquarters, lobby‏

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Crime Prevention Week kick-off event, Monday, November 7, 2011, 10 a.m., Police headquarters, lobby

Monday, November 7, 2011 – 5:00 AM
Community Mobilization
416-808-7295

[TPS] – Halloween safety tips‏

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Halloween safety tips

Thursday, October 27, 2011 – 8:00 AM
Corporate Communications
416-808-7100

The Toronto Police Service would like to take this opportunity to remind parents, caregivers, children and motorists that every effort should be made to keep Halloween a safe and enjoyable occasion.

[TPS] – Retired TPS officer (and renowned landscape painter) lends talent to United Way drive, Tuesday, October 25, 2011, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Headquarters, lobby‏

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Retired TPS officer (and renowned landscape painter) lends talent to United Way drive, Tuesday, October 25, 2011, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Headquarters, lobby

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 – 5:00 AM
Corporate Communications
416-808-7100

[TPS] – Media advisory, Thursday, June 30, 2011, 8 p.m., Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor Street West, Battle of the Build for Habitat for Humanity Toronto‏

Event Happening Promoted By Toronto Police Services - Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Media advisory, Thursday, June 30, 2011, 8 p.m., Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor Street West, Battle of the Build for Habitat for Humanity Toronto

Wednesday, June 29, 2011 – 12:00 PM
Corporate Communications
416-808-7100

Toronto EMS, Toronto Police Service and Toronto Fire Services are working together to help their community build two homes in partnership with Toronto Habitat for Humanity.

[TPS] – Media advisory, Thursday, June 16, 2011, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Coppinwood Golf Club, 2324 4th Concession Road, Uxbridge The Canadian Youth Golf Foundation, “At Risk Youth” Golf Day‏

Toronto Police Services Participating in Golf - Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Media advisory, Thursday, June 16, 2011, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Coppinwood Golf Club, 2324 4th Concession Road, Uxbridge The Canadian Youth Golf Foundation, “At Risk Youth” Golf Day

Thursday, June 16, 2011 – 9:47 AM
55 Division
416-808-5500

On Thursday, June 16, 2011, the Canadian Youth Golf Foundation and 55 Division will be hosting “At Risk Youth” Golf Day.

[TPS] – Opportunity for community members to participate in TPS Business Planning Process‏

Community Has Opportunity to Participate in TPS Business Plan - Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Opportunity for community members to participate in TPS Business Planning Process

Tuesday, June 14, 2011 – 1:55 PM
Corporate Planning
416-808-7770

The Toronto Police Service is currently involved in developing the 2011 Environmental Scan and the 2012 – 2014 Business Plan to identify the Service’s priorities and goals for the next three years. Consultations and community input are important components of our Business Planning Process. In order to give as many people as possible the opportunity to participate in this process and provide their thoughts, the following question will be posted on the Toronto Police Service internet website:

[TPS] – Toronto Board of Trade announces 2010 Police Officer of the Year‏

Toronto Board of Trade Announces Police Officer of the Year - Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Toronto Board of Trade announces 2010 Police Officer of the Year

Thursday, June 2, 2011 – 9:20 PM
Professional Standards
416-808-7096

The winners of the 2010 Police Officer of the Year Award were announced during the annual tribute dinner, held this evening at the Toronto Board of Trade.

[TPS] – Toronto Board of Trade announces winner of TPS Business Excellence Award‏

Toronto Board Gives Awards - Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Toronto Board of Trade announces winner of TPS Business Excellence Award

Thursday, June 2, 2011 – 9:19 PM
Professional Standards
416-808-7096

The winner of the 2010 Business Excellence Award was announced during the annual tribute dinner, held this evening at the Toronto Board of Trade.

Toronto Police Service Launch Public Education Campaign for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Toronto Police Services Launch Campaign for Sexual Assault Awareness Month - Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Thursday, May 19, 2011 – 12:05 PM
Corporate Communications
416-808-7100

Today, the Toronto Police Service, in partnership with their Sexual Assault Advisory Committee, launched a public education campaign and a Guidebook for sexual assault survivors to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The Toronto Police Service Supports Provincial Campaign Against Distracted Driving

Toronto Police Services Bringing Attention to Distracted Drivers - Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Thursday, May 19, 2011 – 11:00 AM
Traffic Services
416-808-1900

The Toronto Police Service today joined other police services across Ontario in taking dead aim at all forms of distracted driving, particularly those people who choose to text or talk while driving.