Community Police Liaison Committee CPLC 51 Division

Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) is made up of community volunteers and police service representatives from the 51 Division’s geographic area. The membership of the CPLC reflects the unique and diverse population served by 51 Division. Participants on committees include community representatives from racial, cultural or linguistic groups, social agencies, businesses, tenant associations, schools, places of worship, gender, youth and socio-economic status.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

20 THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU

1. Of course I look familiar - I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house; virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewellery. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television.

14. Sometimes I carry a clipboard. Sometimes I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.
The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbours.

15. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbour hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing - It's human nature.

16. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

17. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems. I'll drive or walk through your neighbourhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

18. Thanks for announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.

19. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an open invitation.

20. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Toronto Police Chief Blair lays out summer plans to stop violence

Today Toronto Police Chief William Blair laid out the service's plans to increase the police presence in the city after a summer of gun violence. This action will take place during July, August and up to when the youth in the city go back to school.

In response to the recent gun violence in the city, the Service is about to roll out a summer safety initiative.

Beginning on August 6, a total of 320 officers will be assigned to communities most affected by the increased violence. The program ends on September 9.

“We are talking about increased capacity, more police officers, more boots on the ground,” said Deputy Chief Peter Sloly, who is in charge of Divisional Policing Command.

“These are real officers working in the most victimized areas…We will be working with our partners and helping those young kids to do their best and be their best. We are also realigning many of our support units on the same shift schedules to allow greater coordination and communication and there will be an increased number of officers to deal with the most high-risk offenders. For those people who commit violent crimes and the places where they commit them, our officers will be in greater numbers and in greater co-ordination.

“…On a daily basis, there will be continued pursuit of our high-risk offenders and continued engagement with our young people and community partners in those neighbourhoods in the most respectful and development-focussed ways possible. We are also using some new innovations, including mainstreaming social media into all of our operations, integrating our Divisional specialised assets in ways we have not done before and we are approaching this in a borderless way. Instead of one Division looking after its problems, we have erased the borders…The extra resources we have can be moved anywhere, anytime in the city.”

Sloly also said there will be an increased presence on transit routes to ensure gangs don’t use those avenues to commit crimes.

“This is about public safety,” he added.

“Reducing victimization, reducing fear, improving public safety, improving service and trust – it’s everyone’s responsibility.”

Additional resources are also going to be deployed during the annual Carnival weekend celebrations. A total of 456 officers will be on duty in the downtown core and 350 officers will work on the day of the parade on Lake Shore Blvd. They will be supported by intelligence and other units.

“Our intent is to assist the event and its organizers in holding a safe event,” Chief Bill Blair said.

“Our intent is not to over-police our communities. It’s simply to over-protect. We also want to send a very clear message to any individual or group who may choose to engage in violence that put themselves, others and their communities at risk that they will be relentlessly pursued.

“We recognize that our effort to keep our communities safe is always a partnership and a shared responsibility.”

The additional officers will be freed up through compulsory overtime as part of the normal 2012 operating budget. Two shifts, rather than three will cover divisional needs.

“We’re asking them to dig deep to do more and working longer hours to create safety in the community,” Chief Blair said, of the officers who will be working to create a safe summer.

Chief Blair said he would rather put money into preventing violence than investigating a homicide, estimating the cost of this deployment to be over $2 million.

Representatives from the community, who the police consulted in preparation for their response to the increased violence, attended the press conference at police headquarters today.

“We thank Chief Blair and Deputy Chief Sloly for meeting this head-on and for agreeing to sit down and get input from the folks who are on the frontlines that are dealing with this day to day,” said Jamaican Canadian Association president Audrey Campbell.

“It’s important that people understand that the additional policing they will see in their communities is for their safety because good, decent and hardworking citizens are caught in the crossfire and they are becoming the victims and the collateral damage…This is about preventing the loss of lives.”

The increased police presence in neighbourhoods is part of an all-out police blitz to stem gun and gang violence in the city that claimed four lives last week.

Acting Deputy Chief Jane Wilcox, in charge of Specialized Operations Command, which includes the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, said the additional financial support announced by the provincial government this week, allows her to add more investigators to the task force that has seized 250 crime guns off the street this year.

“The additional investigators will guarantee that we can put even more pressure on those individuals who have chosen violence and gang activity, especially those who have clearly demonstrated that they don’t care whose children or loved ones they hurt,” she said.

“Our gun and gang investigators will be working closely with our bail compliance officers from the Divisions to identify the right people and locate their guns. This combined effort along with the additional resources gives us a capacity that we haven’t had before.”

Chief Blair also encouraged those who know someone in possession of an illegal gun or know when violence may occur to contact police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416−808−2222, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416−222−TIPS (8477), online at 222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook.

Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on Apple iTunes, Google Play and Blackberry App World™

Source: http://goo.gl/udXsR

Monday, July 23, 2012

Strengthening Police Action, Engaging Community Groups To Tackle Gun Violence

July 23, 2012
Provincial and Toronto Anti-Violence Teams To Become Permanent

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced today secured, permanent funding for the Provincial and Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategies (PAVIS and TAVIS) and a 30-day report back by Minister of Children and Youth Services Eric Hoskins and Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Madeleine Meilleur on further actions to make communities safer.
PAVIS and TAVIS specialized teams work with partners to target illegal gang, drugs and weapons activities in communities by focusing on intervention, enforcement and community mobilization. Funding was set to expire next year. Notwithstanding the deficit situation, the McGuinty government will dedicate permanent funding for these specialized teams.
Other immediate measures the government is taking to target guns and gangs and tackle the causes of crime include:

Investing $500,000 from the Proceeds of Crime Program to support stronger coordination among Toronto police, GTA police forces and the OPP in targeting gangs and getting guns off the street.
Fast tracking $500,000 in support to Toronto Community groups through the Safer and Vital Communities program.
The Attorney General will bring together guns and gangs experts to make recommendations that will lead to stronger prosecutions and a safer environment for those who come forward to testify against perpetrators.
The province has already funded 542 officers in Toronto and Chief Blair said he will refocus existing officers from lower-priority areas to focus on guns and gangs. The province will ask the OPP to also consider whether they can do the same.

These are immediate actions the government will take.
Ministers Hoskins and Meilleur will also begin working immediately with police, community, business, and youth leaders and report back in 30 days. The group will review the many policing programs and community supports and create an action plan on which programs should be re-focused and what strategic new investments need to be made.
The McGuinty government is committed to taking strong action to get guns and gangs off the street, provide positive alternatives for youth and ensure safer communities and neighbourhoods for Ontarians.

QUOTES

"Ontario families have the right to feel safe and to be safe in all our communities. We need a serious plan that includes strong policing and strong social supports. We need to do both. We need that balance. And we all have a responsibility to make that happen."

– Dalton McGuinty
Premier of Ontario

QUICK FACTS

Last year, Toronto recorded its lowest murder rate in 25 years. In 2007-09, Ontario had one of the lowest violent crime rates in Canada. Violent crime in Ontario is down 13 per cent since 2003.
TAVIS has contributed to nearly 22,000 arrests.
22 police services participate in PAVIS -- the provincial extension of TAVIS: Amherstburg, the Anishinabek, Barrie, Belleville, Brantford, Durham, Guelph, Halton, Hamilton, Kingston, LaSalle, London, Niagara, Nishnawbe Aski, Ottawa, Peel, Greater Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Waterloo, Windsor, York Region and Treaty Three police services.

LEARN MORE

Find out more about TAVIS.

Friday, July 20, 2012

TPS Summer Safety Survey

The Toronto Police Service's Summer Safety initiative, from July 20 to September 9, aims to improve safety in our communities and increase positive engagement between officers and members of the public. Further information on the initiative will be provided at the end of the survey.

By completing this survey, you will be helping us to assess how well we've achieved those goals.

The survey should only take about 10 minutes. All responses are anonymous. We do not ask you to identify yourself and survey settings do not allow us to track the computer you using.

Thank you for taking the time to tell us what you think.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Cops kick off Carnival

Chris Stewart dances

Against a background of colourful costumes and pulsating music, the Toronto Police Service unveiled its float – Diversity in Motion – and costumes that will be on display in the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival parade on August 4.

The launch took place on July 14 at Seneca College’s Newnham campus. This was the first time that the launch took place away from police headquarters.

The college’s president, David Agnew, welcomed the Service to the campus with open arms.

“We are a community, but we are very much aware that we live in a community,” said Agnew.

“The mantra that we live by, is if you want to make a life, it’s not by what you get but by what you give. That’s why community itself is one of our core values. This is an important but fun event.”

Chief Bill Blair, who once lectured at Seneca College, praised the Divisional Policing Support Unit and 33 Division unit commander S/Insp. Tony Riviere for their vision in taking the launch to the college campus.

“This is the start of two of the best weeks in the city of Toronto and we are happy to be active participants in the festivities,” he said.

Toronto Police Services Board chair Dr. Alok Mukherjee joined in the festivities that included some of this summer’s Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) students.

“Through celebrations such as this, we forge bonds of friendship and form significant partnerships,” he said.

“This is why our Board is proud to be part of this exciting and dynamic annual festival. The carnival is a celebration of the richness, vibrancy and colourfulness of the kaleidoscopic culture that characterises our city and our country today. The powerful spirit of this festival can be felt through this city and in all of our neighbourhoods.”

Denver Broncos offensive lineman Orlando Franklin, raised in Scarborough before attending the University of Miami, joined Mukherjee, Blair and Riviere in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“Giving back to this community is something that I dreamed of while I was growing up in Scarborough,” Franklin said.

“This is my city and I just love to be here…I also enjoy working with the police.”

Franklin’s new teammate, Philip Blake, St. Louis Blues right winger Chris Stewart and San Jose Sharks centre Daniel Winnik also attended the launch.

Funds raised from a charity barbecue that followed the launch will be presented to Women’s College Hospital.

Source: http://goo.gl/1ZzRv

Monday, July 16, 2012

Man faces nine charges in two arson investigations

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Man faces nine charges in two arson investigations: 335 Yonge Street and 123 Sackville Street
Broadcast time: 14:56, Monday, July 16, 2012
51 Division: 416−808−5100

The Toronto Police Service has made an arrest in two arson investigations.

It is alleged that:
− on January 3, 2011, emergency services responded to a fire call at 335 Yonge Street, a 19th−century heritage property
− the fire was investigated as an arson It is further alleged that:
− on Thursday, July 12, 2012, at 1:15 a.m., emergency services responded to a fire call at 123 Sackville Street
− the fire was being investigated as an arson

On Friday, July 13, 2012, the accused was arrested on an unrelated matter and was investigated for the above fires.

On Monday, July 16, 2012, Stewart Poirier, 53, of Toronto, is charged with:
1. two counts of Arson: Damage to Property
2. two counts of Arson: Disregard for Human Life
3. two counts of Mischief Endangering Life
4. Attempted Murder
5. two counts of Fail to Comply with Probation

The accused has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court at Old City Hall on Thursday, July 19, 2012, room 101, 10 a.m.

ID: 24032

Sunday, July 15, 2012

July 15, 2012: The Church Street Village Fair

June 20 2012

NOTIFICATION OF STREET CLOSURE

8:30 am Sunday July 15, 2012
to 12:30 am Monday July 16 2012

Once again, the Church Wellesley Village Business Improvement Area (CWVBIA) is pleased to present

The Church Street Village Fair:

“Play Local and Support!”

A Community Fundraising Drive for The P.W.A. Foundation

We are pleased to be partnering with Steamworks and the PWA Foundation.

The following streets will be closed to vehicular traffic from 8:30am Sunday July 15 to 12:30am Monday July 16 2012:

Church St. from the north side of Alexander St. to the south side of Wellesley St.

Maitland St. will be closed 150 feet west and east at Church to both he Donna Shaw Laneway and Alexander Place service roads.

General Public Notification:

Please note: North of Wellesley Street and Wellesley Street is open to vehicular traffic.second summer event on Sept 9 with the 519 Center and the Lesbian and Gay Chamber of Commerce will close the street north of Wellesley. Details to follow.

Signs will be placed and posted along Church Street notifying residents of the road closure to traffic.

The event will begin at 12 pm and end at 10:00 pm.

All extended outdoor patios must be cleared by 10 pm and music on the street will promptly shut down at 11 pm. The street will reopen to vehicular traffic at 12:30am the following morning.

If you have any questions, please contact David Wootton at the CWVBIA at 647-864-6028 or email: info@churchwellesleyvillage.ca.

http://www.churchwellesleyvillage.ca/

On behalf of the Church Wellesley Village Business Improvement Area,thank you in advance for your co-operation.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Chief Blair busts a move at Caribbean Carnival kickoff | CP24

Link: Top cop busts a move at Caribbean Carnival kickoff | CP24

The TPS Annual Caribbean Carnival Toronto Kick−Off Celebrations was held on Saturday, July 14, 2012, within 33 Division at Newnham Campus−Seneca College, at 1750 Finch Avenue East.

33 D Unit Commander Tony Riviere

The beautiful YIPI students

Friday, July 13, 2012

Public Safety Alert: Church Street/Wellesley Street East

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Public Safety Alert, Police request assistance with robbery investigation
Broadcast time: 11:59 Friday, July 13, 2012
51 Division:416−808−5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a robbery investigation.
It is reported that:

− between June 2012 and July 2012, police responded to several calls in the broad area of Church Street/Wellesley Street East
− in most cases, the victims were alone and had recently left nearby bars or restaurants
− the suspects would approach their victims and forcibly take money or a cellphone, assaulting the victim without warning, or making a demand immediately prior to this occurring
− in some cases, the suspects would indicate that they had a weapon
− some of the victims sustained minor injuries

Members of the community and visitors to this area are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and take personal safety precautions, particularly when travelling alone on foot.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416−808−5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416−222−TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook.

Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Michael Richmond, 51 Division

Source: http://goo.gl/rnvWZ

Thursday, July 12, 2012

TPS Caribbean Carnival Toronto Kick−off

Newnham Campus−Seneca College, 1750 Finch Avenue East
Toronto Police Service Caribbean Carnival Toronto Kick−off –“Strengthening Community Ties”

33 Division: 416−808−3300

The TPS Annual Caribbean Carnival Toronto Kick−Off Celebrations will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2012, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., within 33 Division, at Newnham Campus−Seneca College, at 1750 Finch Avenue East.

The Caribbean Carnival Toronto event celebrates the cultural heritage of the Caribbean and the spirit that it contributes to Canadian culture. The Toronto Police Service, in partnership with community organizations including the Community Unity Alliance and City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation, has been participating in this event since 1991. This participation includes a float in the Caribbean Carnival Toronto Parade, as well as celebrations at local Divisions.

The Toronto Police Service has been honoured to work with Orlando Franklin of the National Football League’s Denver Broncos and Seneca College to present this year’s Caribbean Carnival Toronto Kick−Off Celebrations. Aside from Orlando Franklin, a variety of professional athletes will be in attendance to show their support for the event. The theme of this year’s event is “Strengthening Community Ties.”

The Caribbean Carnival Toronto Kick−Off Celebrations will include a full day of music, activities, costumes and interaction between the officers, athletes and community members.

The event will also include a charity BBQ, silent auction and raffle in support of the Women’s College Hospital.

Toronto Police Services Board Chair Alok Mukerjee and Chief William Blair will speak at the opening ceremonies at 10 a.m.

For further information, please contact Sergeant Rod Chung at 416−808−3300 or
rodcliffe.chung@torontopolice.on.ca, Sherene Jattan at 416−808−0114 or
sherene.jattan@torontopolice.on.ca, or Staff Sergeant Ronald Khan at 416−808−0106 or
Ronald.Khan@torontopolice.on.ca

Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Sergeant Rod Chung, 33 Division
ID: 23724

Source: http://goo.gl/U47Yo

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

From the heart of 51 Division: 2015 Games Boosting Ontario's Economy

McGuinty Government Creating New Jobs And Sport Facilities For Communities

As the three year countdown begins, Ontario is already seeing the economic benefits from hosting the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games.

The "People's Games" will be one of the largest economic drivers in the Greater Golden Horseshoe over the next three years. They will create more than 15,000 jobs, attract hundreds of thousands of visitors and showcase Ontario on the world stage.

From construction to planning, work is right on schedule for the Games, including:

Construction of the "Canary District" has been underway since January -- the new waterfront community in the West Don Lands -- creating an additional 5,200 jobs and will welcome more than 10,000 athletes, coaches and officials as temporary tenants during the Games.
The start of construction of the Pan Am Aquatics Centre, Field House and Canadian Sport Institute of Ontario in Scarborough! -- creating 150 construction jobs.
Negotiations in progress for all the other new and improved sport and recreation facilities with construction to begin later this year or in 2013.
Confirmation of the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave as the official host of the equestrian events.
Unveiling of the improvements of the Welland International Flatwater Centre which will welcome the canoe and kayak sports.

The Games are also helping to accelerate the delivery timeline of the Air-Rail Link and Union Station redevelopment.

Hosting the Games is part of the McG! uinty government's plan to create jobs and strengthen the economy. It will also provide new sport venues for athletes to train and compete at home and recreation centres for Ontario families to lead healthier lives.