We all have the potential to be victims of crime

News Release           

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Public safety alert, Potential sexual offender,

Break−and−enter increase

Broadcast time: 12:42, Thursday, June 28, 2012
22 Division:  416−808−2200

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an increase of break−and−enters in the area bordered by Eglinton Avenue West−The Queensway−Kipling Avenue−Royal York Road area.

It is reported that:
− on Thursday, June 28, 2012, just after 3 a.m., a man removed a mesh screen and entered a home on Fernalroy Boulevard through a living room window
− a 54−year−old woman was in her bedroom and heard the suspect in the home
− she called out to him thinking it was her daughter who was also home at the time
− the suspect pushed open the woman's bedroom door and grabbed the woman by the throat and pushed her onto the bed
− the woman struggled and ran out of the room to call police
− the suspect was seen getting into a waiting vehicle which drove south on Norsman Street

The suspect is described as white, 5'10", 150−169 lbs., , dark brown hair, wearing black pants, grey shirt, and wearing a black face mask.

The vehicle is described as a blue sedan.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416−808−2200, 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 Bruno Miron, 22 Division

ID: 23874

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We all have the potential to be victims of crime. Each of us can REDUCE THE RISK of our homes/property being victimized by eliminating the opportunity.

Window security

·         Most windows can be pinned for security.

·         Drill a 3/16" hole on a slight downward slant through the inside window frame and halfway into the outside frame - place a nail/pin in the hole to secure the window

·         Sliding glass doors/windows can be lifted out of their tracks with relative ease.

·         Install self-tapping screws in the upper track that allow the door/window to slide into place

·         Place a piece of wood snugly into the bottom track - this will resist lateral forcing

Door security

·         Locks with key holes in the knob are NOT reliable - they can easily be forced

·         Doors should be mounted so hinge-bolts are not facing outwards

·         Install one-inch deadbolt locks on all exterior doors

·         Chain locks are poor security - install a wide angle viewer instead

·         Padlocks should be 'heel-and-toe' locking

·         If keys are lost or if you move, locks should be changed

Going on vacation

·         Inform a neighbour of your departure and return dates

·         Where possible, cancel all deliveries

·         Arrange to have the lawn cut and walkways cleared

·         Use clock timers to activate lights/radios at various intervals

·         Have a neighbour pick up newspapers and mail

·         Store small valuables in a safe deposit box

·         Ensure all entry points are secured, including mail chutes, milk chutes, garage doors and upstairs windows

·         DO NOT leave notes indicating you are not at home

Helpful hints

·         Keep a record of your valuables

·         Identify your property by engraving an identifying mark - proper identification makes it easier for the police to return personal property

·         When engraving, hold the engraver straight up NOT on a slant

·         The identification should be readily visible without marring the appearance of the item

·         Be a good neighbour and report any suspicious activity

If a crime has occurred

·         DO NOT enter - the criminal may still be inside

·         Use a neighbour's phone and call the police

·         DO NOT touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence

·         Note the licence number of any suspicious vehicle

·         Note the description of any suspicious person(s)