Keep Your Belongings Safe

A number of thefts from vehicles have been reported in 51 Division:


































Here are some of the most commonly stolen items, left on view in vehicles and stolen by car criminals:

Satellite navigation systems

• One of the most desirable motoring accessories currently available. Easy to steal,easily to carry and extremely easy to sell on by the car criminal. Mark your GPS with your car number plate to make it less easy to sell if it is stolen. Never program your home address into the device under an obvious name such as "home" as a thief will be able to locate where you live and if your car is in town, they may assume that your home is likely to be empty. Never leave your GPS equipment in the car, always take it with you. Make sure the GPS mounting stalk is removed from the windscreen and wipe away any suction mark left on the glass - this is a clear indication there may a GPS hidden inside the car.

Laptop computers

• These have a high resale value for car criminals who will be more than happy to steal them from your car if they are left on view - and they usually benefit from having a case to make them easy to carry away. You not only lose your computer but all the information stored on it. This could affect your business, result in customers no longer having trust in you if you lose their data or could mean personal information such as photos and documents are lost to you. Never leave your computer in your car.

Car stereos

• These remain popular with thieves. Quick to remove from the car, they are easily sold on. Always remove the detachable control panel and take it with you when you leave your vehicle. If there is a PIN number security code in the audio equipment ensure it has been activated. Never keep the Pin number with the stereo or with the user manual in the car.

CDs

• It doesn't matter what your choice of music is - CDs left on view in a vehicle are music to the ears of car criminals who steal them to sell on. Never have large numbers of CDs in your vehicle and always take them with you in a portable CD case when you leave the car.

Wallets, purses and credit cards

• These are attractive to car thieves as they are the gateway to untold riches.  Always take your money / wallet / purse with you. Don't hide it inside the car.
• The two places a car thief will look first on breaking into a car are inside the glove box or under the car seat.
• Thieves have even been known to break in to a car for a few loose coins - after all it’s all money in their pocket.

Mobile telephones

• These have a high resale value for the car criminal, are easy to carry and are easy to sell on. For the owner/loser it means inconvenience as the loss of all your contact numbers could lead to possible loss of business and personal opportunities as no one will be able to contact you.

Electrical items and jewellery

• A treasure trove of opportunity awaits a car criminal who sees items such as cameras, video cameras, watches, IPods and even jewellery left on view inside the car. A smashed window, a few seconds and they are away with your property. 

Coats and clothing

• Frequently left on view on the back seat of the car. Popular with thieves, not only for their resale value, but the pockets may contain valuable items such as money, keys or even details of where you live. One thief broke into a car to steal hat, gloves and a scarf on one cold night.

Car number plates and catalytic converters

• Number plates are generally stolen in order to be used on vehicles involved in other criminal activity. You can prevent this by having anti-theft number plates fitted which shatter when anyone tampers with them, or self locking screws to attach them. Where possible, park in well lit, busy car parks or where there is security coverage including CCTV monitoring.

Power tools and other work equipment

• Never ever leave tools in your vehicle overnight. Always remove them to a secure locked area and place a notice or sticker in the window stating that tools are removed overnight. You will not only have the expense and frustration of having to source and replace specialist equipment, if they are stolen, but you could lose valuable work if you don't have the tools to do the job.

Remember: Car criminals have even been known to break into a car for a cuddly toy. All the items above are personal to you. You have worked hard to afford them. Don't let a thief steal them just because you left them on view in the car.

Public Safety Alert: Visa/MasterCard scam

Wednesday, March 28, 2012 Broadcast time: 08:13
Financial Crimes Unit: 416−808−7300

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 recommends 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

Visa and MasterCard have supplied the following links on fraud prevention:
For further information on credit card fraud prevention tips, please click here, and here

*The Toronto Strategic Partnership is a multi−law enforcement agency, formed in response to ever−increasing cross−border fraudulent mass marketing schemes. The Partnership consists of the Competition Bureau of Canada, Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services, Ontario Ministry of Finance, Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit, Ontario Provincial Police Anti Rackets Branch, The Canadian Anti−fraud Centre, RCMP GTA Commercial Crime Section, U.S. Federal Trade Commission, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Al Spratt at 416−808−7300 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 Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Al Spratt, Financial Crimes Unit

ID: 2311  Source:  http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/newsreleases/pdfs/23116.pdf

New Community Response Unit Non-Emergency Phone Line

51 Division Community Response Unit has a separate and dedicated phone line that enables residents to call in and leave messages pertaining to minor complaints of a non-emergency nature such as drinking in the parks, trespassing or loitering, community safety issues, information of suspected criminal activity or any other issues that do not require immediate police assistance.

Once a voice message is received, it will be sent to the appropriate person or unit in 51 Division to be investigated. This process might take a few days. If possible, please leave your name and phone number, so that we may contact you for additional information.

Once your complaint has been investigated, someone can call you back and advise you of the results of the investigation.

The dedicated phone line number is: 416-808-5119

As a reminder, please call 9-1-1 for emergencies 

and for general calls for service of a non-emergency nature, please call:

Toronto Police Communications at 416-808-2222

TDD (TTY) – Telecommunications Device for the Deaf

For emergencies, dial 9-1-1 and press the space bar announcer 

repeatedly until a response is received.

Should you wish to report a crime and remain anonymous, you have the option to call:

Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS 

or visit their website at http://www.toronto-crimestoppers.com/

March Break − March Safe Campaign Results

Tuesday, March 20, 2012 - 12:33 PM
Traffic Services: 416-808-1900

During the week of Monday, March 12, 2012, to Sunday, March 18, 2012, the Toronto Police Service conducted the annual March Break pedestrian safety campaign.

The “March Break, March Safe Campaign” is designed to promote the education, awareness and enforcement strategies intended to heighten public awareness of pedestrian safety.

As a result of the campaign:

Total charges:	13,579
Drivers charged:	12,882
Pedestrians charged:	697
Parking-related offences:	1,235

 Drivers were charged with offences that included fail to yield to pedestrian, red-light, stop sign, speeding, turning and careless driving charges.

Pedestrians were charged with offences in direct relation to the safety objectives of the campaign, including disobey red light, fail to use a crosswalk and failing to yield to vehicles when crossing.

Parking offences were issued for intersection related and crosswalk/crossover offences, due to the danger those illegally parked vehicles presented to pedestrians and drivers.

The need to be aware and alert at all times, on any road, and even in the most routine circumstances, is a key component to moving through traffic safely.

To learn more about the Toronto Police Service Traffic Services Safety Program, that aims to reduce pedestrian injury and death through education and awareness, click here.

Traffic Services is dedicated to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of traffic within the City of Toronto. Stay informed with what’s happening at: Twitter, Facebook Fan Page, Facebook Group and on Blog.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Constable Hugh Smith, Traffic Services

Source:  http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/newsreleases/pdfs/23055.pdf

March 20 is Change your PIN # Day

According to Interac Canada, in 2011 $70 million was lost to Debit Card Fraud and over 154,000 Interac cardholders were reimbursed.

Criminals can tamper with a PIN pad and then hold onto the information they steal for as long as a year and a half. The best way to prevent your PIN number from being compromised is to change it regularly.

March 20th 2012 in Change Your Pin Day in Toronto. Are you going to change your PIN and protect yourself from debit card fraud?

Crime Prevention Association of Toronto:  http://cpatoronto.org/home/ 

Hundreds of thousands of dollars are stolen every day as a result of debit card fraud. Change your PIN and reduce the odds of becoming a victim of debit card fraud.

According to the RCMP, Debit card fraud happens when someone "skims" or swipes the information from the magnetic strip on the back of your card to create a duplicate of your card. To steal money from your account, they also have to capture your PIN. You can reduce your chances of being a fraud victim by changing your PIN on a regular basis. 

It’s easy and can be done at most chartered banks in Toronto and your bank's local ATM.

March is Fraud Prevention Month

Recognize it, Report it, Stop it!

Watch out for charity scams
Since fraud artists hope to profit from people’s generosity, the RCMP would like to remind Canadians to be wary of false charity scams. Consider the following precautions to make sure your donations benefit the people and organizations you want to assist:

• Be wary of appeals that tug at your heart strings, especially pleas involving current events.
• Ask for written information about the charity, including name, address and telephone number. A legitimate charity or fund-raiser will give you information about the charity's mission, how your donation will be used and proof that your contribution is tax deductible.
• Ask the solicitor for the registered charitable tax number of the charity. Question any discrepancies. Confirm the charity’s registration information through the Canada Revenue Agency (1-800-267-2384).
• Check out the charity's financial information. For many organizations, this information can be found online.
• Ask for identification. If the solicitor refuses to tell you or does not have some form or verifiable identification, hang up or close the door and report it to law enforcement officials.
• Call the charity. Find out if the organization is aware of the solicitation and has authorized the use of its name. If not, you may be dealing with a scam artist.
• Watch out for similar sounding names. Some phony charities use names that closely resemble those of respected, legitimate organizations. If you notice a small difference from the name of the charity you intend to deal with, call the organization to check it out.
• Be skeptical if someone thanks you for a pledge you don't remember making. If you have any doubts about whether you've made a pledge or previously contributed, check your records. Be on the alert for invoices claiming you've made a pledge. Some unscrupulous solicitors use this approach to get your money.
• Refuse high pressure appeals. Legitimate fund-raisers won't push you to give on the spot.
• Be wary of charities offering to send a courier or overnight delivery service to collect your donation immediately.
• Be wary of guaranteed sweepstakes winnings in exchange for a contribution. According to law, you never have to donate anything to be eligible to win.
• Avoid cash gifts. Cash can be lost or stolen. For security and tax record purposes, it's best to pay by cheque.
• To file a police complaint, contact your local police force. The main line for 51 Division is (416) 808-5100.  To ensure that your complaint information is shared with other law enforcement agencies, also file a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501.

Source:  www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

March Break, March Safe Campaign

Monday, March 12, 2012 - Sunday, March 18, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012, Broadcast time: 13:50
Traffic Services: 416−808−1900

During the week of Monday, March 12, 2012, to Sunday, March 18, 2012, the Toronto Police Service will be conducting the annual March Break pedestrian safety campaign.

The “March Break, March Safe" campaign is designed to promote the education, awareness and enforcement strategies intended to heighten public awareness of pedestrian safety.

While children will be celebrating the arrival of March Break, the Toronto Police Service would like to remind parents and caregivers that the safety of the children in their care must remain a top priority.

The need to be aware and alert at all times on any road, and even in the most routine circumstances, is a key component to moving through traffic safely. This applies to pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, and transit−users alike. We ask those who do drive, to take extra care on the roads and in parking lots, especially in areas where children and seniors might be present.

Pedestrians/transit−users tips:
Parents and caregivers can help reinforce some of these pedestrian safety messages to
children, as well as some of our more vulnerable seniors and transit users.
− Stop, look, listen and think before entering the roadway
− Utilize crossings at controlled areas, intersections and crosswalks
− Make eye contact with drivers and other road users,
− Wear reflective or bright clothing whenever possible
− Never run into the street
− Obey crossing signals and signs

Driver Safety Tips during the March Break:
A driver who is aware and alert can avoid potential hazards and other distractions.
General Driving Tips:
− Scan to identify pedestrians and cyclists entering the road from curbs and driveways or when approaching intersections
− Be ready for the unexpected, avoid using distracting devices
− Leave at least 2−3 seconds following distance between you and vehicles ahead
− In fog, rain, snow or darkness, use your full headlighting system. Remember, when conditions require you to use your windshield wipers, you should turn on your headlights as well
− To avoid backing onto or out of a parking space, pull straight through two stalls (where available) so you are parked with the nose of your vehicle facing out
− Drive in travelled lanes only − avoid driving across or through parking spaces
− Use rear−view and outside mirrors often and frequently check your speed

During the campaign, all road users will be subject to various education and enforcement initiatives. Let's all work together to make the rest of the season safe.

To learn more about the Toronto Police,Traffic Services Safety Program, that aims to reduce pedestrian injury and death through education and awareness, CLICK HERE.

Traffic Services is dedicated to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of traffic within the City of Toronto. Stay informed with what’s happening at: Twitter, Facebook Fan Page, Facebook Group and on Blog.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Constable Hugh Smith, Traffic Services
ID: 22958:  TPS News Release

March/April Issue of The Badge

Click to view =>  The Badge - March/April 2012

Victim Services Toronto

Victim Services Toronto provides immediate crisis response, intervention and prevention services which are responsive to the needs of individuals, families and communities affected by crime and sudden tragedies.

24/7 Crisis Line: 416-808-7066

http://www.victimservicestoronto.com/

Traffic Safety: Students putting safety first

School Safety Patrol is a serious responsibility.

Constable Jill Miller wanted to thank the young people who volunteer for the program that has an unblemished safety record since it was introduced to the city in 1967. School Safety Patrollers supervise 145 crossings locations across the city, helping 3,500 students get to school safely.

The school safety and adult crossing guard program co-ordinator has been taking kids on the School Safety Patrol Appreciation Movie Day for the past four years.

On Feb. 27, nearly 525 young safety patrollers and their teachers from 22 schools across the city – accompanied by members of the Traffic Services Safety Program Unit, Divisional community School Liaison Officers and CAA representatives and teachers – attended Journey 2: The Mysterious Island at Yorkdale’s SilverCity theatre.

“The day started off with the kids getting their popcorn and other treats before heading to their seats,” said Miller, who has been with the Service 25 years.

“Once settled, a draw was held and several patrollers won prizes consisting of hats, patroller memo books and movie passes. Then, wristbands and lighted whistles were launched into the crowd as additional prizes. The patrollers went wild trying to catch them.

“The kids enjoyed the movie and we had a great time. The entire day was filled with fun and friendship. The patrollers saw they are part of a larger community of dedicated volunteers in schools throughout the city. It was just a great way to thank them for their community service while the assist their fellow students to cross streets safely.”

Last summer, Miller co-ordinated a zoo trip for student patrollers.

From TorontoPolice.on.ca

TPS's 5th International Women's Day Ceremony

Online Bicycle Registration

TPS Promotes Online Bicycle Registration, 
Cycling Safety and 
Youth Engagement Through BMX Sport at International Bicycle Show

Saturday, March 3, 2012,  Broadcast time: 05:00
Traffic Services:  416−808−1900

On Saturday, March 3, 2012, between noon and 7 p.m., and on Sunday, March 4, 2012, between noon and 5 p.m., the Toronto Police Amateur Athletic Association − Toronto Police Cycling Team has a booth at the 2012 Toronto International Bicycle Show showcased at the Better Living Centre at the CNE grounds.

Police will be there to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle through group cycling, not only for fellow police officers but also for the members of the public. The officers are at this event specifically to promote traffic safety for everyone who shares the road, by foot, bicycle or motorized vehicle.

The TPAAA supports a number of charity events, organizations and rides in order to bring attention to each cause. For more info on the TPAAA,  CLICK HERE. 

Officers from Transit Patrol, 14 Division, Toronto Crime Stoppers and Corporate Communications will be at the show as well as assisting with the Toronto BMX Jam event.

The Toronto Police Service official use of social media is being promoted at this event through assistance and youth engagement with the live streaming team for the event. All details, including riders from around the world available for photos, videos and interviews are posted on the TorontoBMX Website. 

In particular they are promoting online bicycle registration with Toronto Police Service,  CLICK HERE to register your bike and the community collaborative website  IsThisBikeStolen.com that promotes online bicycle registration to police, and anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers to identify and stop bicycle thieves.

Officers from 14 Division Auxiliary Bike Unit will also be on hand.

Media contact for the event is Constable Scott Mills at 647−449−2801.
ID: 2293

Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Constable Jeremy Brown, Traffic Services

Press Release