| Toronto Police Service News Release |  |
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 - 2:05 PM
51 Division: 416-808-5100
The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a potential arsonist.
It is reported that:
- during the week of April 14, 2013, several fires were started on porches of homes in the downtown area
- the fires were set between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.
- the fires caused substantial damage to the homes and, in some cases, occupants who were asleep inside had to be evacuated
- in each case, there was debris on the porches including stacked newspapers, furniture or construction material
The Toronto Arson Task Force has the following suggestions:
- Use crime prevention techniques to secure your property and prevent unauthorized entry
- make sure all doors, windows, skylights are secured, paying attention to any entrances in alleys
- when the building is going to be left vacant for a period of time, make it look like it is occupied by utilizing timers on lights
- trim or remove shrubbery and other landscaping that block the view of the building from the street
- be mindful of strangers and report suspicious actions around homes, vacant buildings, schools, businesses, and other structures
- have neighbours watch over your property while you're away
- get rid of rubbish (it’s the arsonist's kindling and "cover" as it leaves the impression that the fire was spontaneous
- be active in local Neighbourhood and Business Watch programs
- develop and practice a fire safety plan with your family
For a more detailed list, please refer to the Toronto Arson Task Force website at www.toronto.ca/fire/tatf
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. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.
Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Detective Debbie Harris, 51 Division
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