Out of the Cold Programs for December 31 2012

Out of the Colds are open tonight for New Year's Eve:

• 129 Peter St.:   Shelter & Referral Centre accepts walk-ins. 416-392-0090
• 70 Silverbirch Ave.:  St. Aidan's  (Queen St. E & Silverbirch) 4 pm - 8 am
• 156 6th St. (Islington/Birmingham at Lakeshore):  St. Margaret's Church, Men only,  2 pm - 8 am
• 1099 Danforth Ave. at Donlands:  St. Brigid's Annex  4 pm - 8am

Thank you @AnneMarieBatten "Tell someone you see on street in need of this info"

New Year's Eve increased TPS RIDE spot check locations, 
If you drink, don't drive

Broadcast time: 10:45
Monday, December 31, 2012
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

Impaired driving remains the number-one criminal cause of death in Canada. In Ontario, approximately one-quarter of all road fatalities are alcohol-related.

For the 2013 New Year’s celebration, the Toronto Police Service will increase its efforts to protect all road users, with numerous RIDE programs targeting drinking drivers. The message, as always, is: “If you drink, don’t drive.” Choosing a responsible option to driving is the first step. You can do this by using public transit, designated drivers, taxis, or limousines or, better yet, make arrangements to stay overnight.

Walking while intoxicated can also be extremely dangerous. Pedestrians have been seriously injured or killed by walking, stumbling or falling into traffic.

If you are the host of a New Year’s Eve party, have non-alcoholic options available, set a designated drivers' plan by having cab company phone numbers ready and be prepared to stop your drinking guests from driving.

The best way to combat drinking and driving is for everyone to take an active role promoting road safety. If you see someone who appears to be, or you know is, driving, or about to drive impaired, call 9-1-1 immediately. You could save a life.

---

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Staff Sergeant Robb Knapper, Traffic Services

Toy Drive Peaks

Toy drive peaks

For nearly 15 years, 51 Division has been collecting and distributing toys at Christmas time. With the help of its Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) and chair Bob Kemp, the collection of toys has increased exponentially in the past few years. “We have almost 400 toys, which is the most we have ever received,” Kemp said. “The response from the officers, local businesses and individuals in the community has been great.” During a three-week period leading up to Dec. 20., the toys are dropped off under a Christmas tree in the front lobby of the Parliament St. station. They will be distributed to the Salvation Army and three neighbourhood charities. “This is a wonderful thing and it’s all about putting smile on the faces of kids at this time of the year,” Kemp said. Insp. Gary Meissner said the toy drive has had a lasting effect on recipients over the years. “We have had such success that former recipients who have now matured and carried on with their own lives have been known to return over the years with their families to provide their own testimonials and give thanks to the CPLC members, officers and sponsors,” Meissner said. Source

Good Shepherd needs volunteers on Jan. 7th from 10am - 1pm

The Good Shepherd is in need of volunteers to help prepare 66 emergency beds with clean linens on Monday, January 7th (first day back to school) from 10am-1pm (this is flexible).  The school that was originally booked is unable to make it.

Any help is appreciated

If you would like to volunteer, please email adrienne@goodshepherd.ca

Location:  412 Queen Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 1T3

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The Good Shepherd is well known on the streets of Toronto. It's a place to get a hot meal, clean clothes, a safe, clean bed for the night. It's a place to go when you need someone to listen, someone to help.

What makes Good Shepherd Ministries special? The answer is different for each person who walks through the door.

For some, Good Shepherd Ministries means Good Shepherd Centre, the place where you go when there's no money left for food. "There is always good food here and no one ever gets turned away," as one meal line guest said.

For others, Good Shepherd Ministries means transformation, a chance to start again through the Resettlement or DARE Programs. "You gave me hope and love at the time of my deepest despair," remembers one DARE client.

Ring in the New Year with our Gala sponsor, Paintbox Bistro!

Toronto’s annual Christmas Choral Concert

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================
News Release: December 19, 2012

Toronto’s annual Christmas Choral Concert

The City of Toronto invites the public to celebrate the season on Friday, December 21 with the annual Christmas Choral Celebration. This year's event will be hosted by Citytv's Gord Martineau and will include performances by All the King's Voices, Toronto Beaches Children's Chorus and Toronto Mass Choir. Musical accompaniment will be provided by the Tower Brass and organist James Bourne.

Date: Friday, December 21
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Rotunda, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.

The concert will last approximately one hour and will conclude with a visit from Santa. Sign language interpretation will be provided. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/choralconcert.htm

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.7 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Media contact: RoseMarie DeMarco, Protocol, 416-392-8191, rdemarc@toronto.ca

TPS making holiday wishes come true

Toronto Police Service News Release

Media advisory, Monday, December 17, 2012, 11 a.m., Fairview Mall, 1800 Sheppard Avenue East, Making holiday wishes come true

Monday, December 17, 2012 - 5:30 AM
33 Division:  416-808-3300

On Monday, December 17, 2012, at 11 a.m., at Fairview Mall, 1800 Sheppard Avenue East, on the lower level, the Toronto Police Service will be participating in an event that will afford eight kids the opportunity to go on a $987 shopping spree with TPS officers.

The boys and girls went through a selection process where they sent in letters outlining reasons why they would deserve such a holiday experience.

Police officers will accompany the kids throughout various stores in the mall. The idea is to build relationships between the local kids and police.

Participating in the ceremony will be Chief William Blair, Toronto Raptors Ambassador Jamaal Magloire, along with Fitzroy Gordon from G98.7 FM.

For more information, please contact Sergeant Rod Chung at 416-808-3335.



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

Source

Man charged in robbery investigation

Toronto Police Service News Release

Man charged in robbery investigation

Friday, December 14, 2012 - 2:05 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, police arrested a man in connection with a robbery investigation

It is alleged that:

- on Sunday, December 9, 2012, at 2:15 p.m., a 87-year-old man walked into the Queen Street East subway station, at Yonge Street
- the accused struck up a conversation with the man and followed him down the escalator
- when the man neared the bottom of the escalator, the accused kicked the man in the lower back and the man fell down six steps
- while the man was on the ground, the accused went through the man's pockets and stole a quantity of cash
- the accused then fled the scene

The victim was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Brian Davenport, 41, of Toronto, has been charged with:

1) Robbery

He was scheduled to appear in court at College Park, on Friday, December 14, 2012, room 501, at 10 a.m.


Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Detective Geoffrey Hesse, 51 Division


Source

Toronto Crime Stoppers and Insurance Brokers of Toronto Region team up with TPS Traffic Services for RIDE program spotcheck

Toronto Police Service News Release

Media advisory,

Thursday, December 13, 2012, 8 p.m.,

Lower Simcoe Street/Front Street West area,

Toronto Crime Stoppers and Insurance Brokers of Toronto Region team up

with TPS Traffic Services for RIDE program spotcheck

Broadcast time: 12:42, Thursday, December 13, 2012
Corporate Communications:  416−808−7100

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, at 8 p.m., Toronto Crime Stoppers and the Insurance Brokers of Toronto Region are teaming up with TPS Traffic Services in a RIDE program spotcheck in the Lower Simcoe Street/Front Street West area.

This joint venture is dedicated to the elimination of impaired driving on our roads, in hopes of a safe holiday season for all. We remind everyone who will be driving throughout the season to be responsible, plan ahead and make smart choices about your transportation.

Use of transit, designated drivers and taxi services are all excellent options for safe transportation.
Police are also encouraging citizens to assist police in the war against impaired driving by calling 9−1−1 if they believe another driver is impaired.

The RIDE program is a year−long initiative that is enhanced during the festive season.

For further information, contact Lorne Simon at 416−560−6441.

Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications


Source

Congratulations to PC Hampton, Auxiliary Officer of the Year!

Holiday activities at Toronto's Market Gallery and Market Kitchen

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

==========================================

News Release:  December 10, 2012         

The City of Toronto's Market Gallery and Market Kitchen in the South St. Lawrence Market will hold a special holiday event on Saturday, December 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"The St. Lawrence Market holds a very special place in the lives and traditions of all Torontonians," said Councillor Pam McConnell (Ward 28 Toronto Centre-Rosedale). "This event is an ideal opportunity for families to add the market to their holiday traditions while learning about historic foods and Toronto's history."

At the event, children, families and market shoppers will have an opportunity to decorate festive cupcakes, listen to storytelling and sample gingerbread cookies from heritage recipes. Event activities include:

• children's colouring sheets and cupcake decorating (10 a.m. to noon) • a talk on Victorian Christmas traditions describing crafts, food and the Christmas tree, with a reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" (noon to 1 p.m.) • traditional gingerbread demonstration and tasting using authentic historical recipes from the late 1700s and early 1800s (courtesy of the Fort York Historic Foodways Program) along with mulled-cider refreshments (courtesy of the St. Lawrence Market Tenants Association) running from 1 to 2 p.m.

All activities are free, but the Market Gallery has a pay-as-you-can policy for admission ($2 suggested). New to the gallery are souvenir items for purchase including shopping bags and reproductions of art from the City's collection, which are ideal for gift-giving.

The Market Gallery presents exhibitions on Toronto’s art, culture and history and offers educational programs for school groups and adults. The current exhibit, "The Water Czar: R. C. Harris Works for Toronto, 1912-45," highlights the career of a remarkable city builder responsible for major infrastructure projects including the R.C. Harris Water Filtration Plant.

The Market Gallery and Market Kitchen are located on the 2nd floor and West Mezzanine of the South St. Lawrence Market, 95 Front St. E. The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/culture/the_market_gallery.htm.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.7 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Media contacts:

Shane Gerard, Communications Coordinator, 416-397-5711, sgerard@toronto.ca Pamela Wachna, Coordinator, Collections and Outreach, 416-392-7604, pwachna@toronto.ca

Look what you missed last night at Coffee With The Cops!

Some of our fabulous hosts:  PC Bottineau, PC Prosavich and PC Smith

Light and bright PC Ried and PC Anderson dish out the treats!

The Fabulous Coppertones belting out the holiday music!

Flashy PC Ried with PC Selvaggio and PC Anderson

PC Bottineau, Heroine Marks and PC Selvaggio strike a pose!

She has her dinner from @LoblawsCarlton, he has his!

PC Cornett and PC Compton handing out sweets at the checkout lines!

PC Tuciap (53D), PC Ward (52D) and PC Remy (D14) greet shoppers as they come for coffee and carols

Lock It or Lose It Campaign Kickoff

Toronto Police Service News Release

Media advisory, Friday, December 7, 2012, 10 a.m., Yorkdale Shopping Centre, 3401 Dufferin Street, In front of Famous Players/Indigo Mall Entrance, Lock it or Lose it kickoff

Thursday, December 6, 2012 - 5:00 AM
Corporate Communications:  416-808-7100

On Friday, December 7, 2012, at 10 a.m., at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre, 3401 Dufferin Street, in front of the Famous Players/Indigo entrance, A/Superintendent Gord Jones, Acting Unit Commander, Traffic Services, Toronto Police Service & Co-Chair of the OACP Traffic Committee along with Chief Superintendent Don Bell, Commander, Highway Safety Division, Ontario Provincial Police & Co-Chair of the OACP Traffic Committee, will kick off the annual Lock It or Lose It campaign.

Just in time for the holiday season, this campaign is a proactive crime prevention program that encourages motorists to take a few simple precautions to protect their vehicles and valuables from theft.

Media are invited to join police officers on a walk-through of the Yorkdale Shopping Centre parking lot as officers look for unsecured vehicles.

Police members from the OPP and municipal police services will be joined by corporate supporters at the launch of this provide-wide program.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications for Joe Couto, Director of Government Relations & Communications

Source

The 2013 edition of the Safe Seniors Calendar is available for free at 51 Division

Seniors calendar available

An ever-popular calendar highlighting safety issues for seniors is now available. The 2013 edition of the Safe Seniors Calendar is available for free to thousands of seniors across Greater Toronto. The calendar features different safety messages each month, on topics including: medication tips, pedestrian safety, financial abuse, along with various health and safety issues. The calendar not only highlights statutory holidays, but Old Age Security/Canada Pension Plan payment dates as well. The annual calendar, put together by the Bringing an Awareness of Senior Safety Issues to the Community (BASSIC) committee, is a partnership between police and fire services, government agencies and community groups. It is generously funded by the Co-operators Insurance Group. “If you are an older adult, this is the perfect calendar for you,” said Const. Patricia Fleischmann, of the annual calendar filled with tips and contact information for government and community agencies. “Elder abuse is known as the silent or hidden crime and, in order to effectively combat this, we need to break the silence surrounding this complex issue,” said Fleischmann, the Vulnerable Persons Co-ordinator at the Toronto Police Service Divisional Policing Support Unit. This year, the calendar focuses on self-neglect of older adults in June, also proclaimed as Seniors’ Month for the past several years by the provincial government. The latest edition is available, online, in both English and French – visit http://www.bassic.ca/safe-seniors-calendar.html for details. The Safe Senior calendar can also be obtained at every fire hall, police station and public library in Toronto. It also features a comprehensive resource list with telephone and web addresses. Source

World Carolling Challenge - December 8

Volunteers needed to hand out LED candles, toques, song sheets and more!  Please contact Steve Abrams, founder of Mill Street Brewery at sabrams@millstreetbrewery.com to help with the World Carolling Challenge on Dec 8!

Public safety alert: Door-to-door solicitation over the holidays

Toronto Police Service News Release

Public safety alert, Door-to-door solicitation over the holidays, Two men charged in fraud investigation

Tuesday, December 4, 2012 - 3:11 PM
33 Division:  416-808-3300

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an arrest made in a door-to-door solicitation investigation.

It is alleged that:

- on Sunday, December 2, 2012, two men went door-to-door in a high-rise apartment complex within 33 Division
- they stated they were Police Cadets and were wearing Police Foundations Training shirts and also wore Toronto Police Service buttons
- they requested cash or toy donations for children

Two men, ages 22 and 21, both of Toronto, have been charged with Fraud Under.

They are scheduled to appear in court on Friday, January 18, 2012, 1000 Finch Avenue West, room 301, 1 p.m.

The Toronto Police Service would like the public to know that it does not conduct this type of door-to-door solicitation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3300, 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.

Stay aware during holiday rush

Never leave personal belongings unattended or visible in a parked car, always be aware of your surroundings, secure cell phones safely when not using them and carry wallets in jackets’ breast pockets. Insp. Howie Page of 52 Division shared some of these useful safety tips at a press conference at police headquarters on Nov. 30 to kick-off a five-week holiday crime prevention campaign. With the hustle and bustle of the season, distracted shoppers are easily vulnerable to crime. “Be wary of con artists,” Page said. “Some divert your attention through distraction tactics. The best advice I could give is follow your best instincts. If something does not seem right, avoid that person or location. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” The five-week prevention campaign will involve officers from 51 and 52 Division along with 15 auxiliary officers who will patrol Yonge St. in uniform during the festive season. Page said the officers will engage retailers and shoppers and distribute crime prevention cards to alert shoppers how to safeguard themselves and their property. He also praised the auxiliary members who volunteer their time during the holidays. “These hardworking men and women volunteer their time to the Service and the City of Toronto,” he said. “We are very pleased to have them play a vital role in this safety campaign. They often juggle full-time jobs with family commitments to come out and support the Toronto Police Service and work side-by-side with our police officers. These men and women often go unrecognized. I applaud them for devoting their time and energy in this initiative and other events throughout the years.” The strong police presence along the Yonge St. corridor is the second part of a crime prevention strategy that started in late October. “The first one took place with police in the downtown core concentrating their efforts detecting criminal activity along the Yonge St. corridor,” Page said. “Plainclothes officers operating in a covert fashion, with the support of uniform officers within our Community Response Units, have been working 24/7 to proactively detect and engage those who support themselves by participating in crime. By operating in a covert manner, officers were able to get into back laneways, parking lots, parks and parkettes to observe and arrest those involved in criminal activity.” As a result of the proactive approach, police conducted 511 investigations, made 62 arrests for criminal offences and charged 95 people under the highway traffic act, 33 people for liquor license act offences and 13 for breaking the trespass property act. As part of the holiday safety campaign, 52 and 51 Division have partnered with Toronto Crime Stoppers on a short video demonstrating how crimes are committed in a short space of time. “We want to ensure that everyone coming into the downtown core has a safe experience and feel safe,” Page said. Source

Coffee with Cops, Thursday, December 6, 2012

Toronto Police Service News Release

Coffee with Cops, Thursday, December 6, 2012
Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens, 60 Carlton Street

Friday, November 30, 2012 - 1:57 PM
Divisional Policing Support Unit:  416-808-7268

On Thursday, December 6, 2012, the Toronto Police Service Divisional Policing Support Unit and LGBT Community Consultative Committee in partnership the , will be hosting Coffee with Cops at Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens, 60 Carlton St.

The Toronto Police Service is committed to creating meaningful partnerships through trust, understanding, shared knowledge and effective community mobilization to maintain safety and security in our communities.

This event sees local officers meet and greet residents and community members at local coffee shops to create contacts and discuss community safety issues.

Come join us for a cup of java and enjoy the music by “The Coppertones”.

For further information, contact PC Danielle Bottineau 7718, Divisional Policing Support Unit, LGBT Liaison Officer, (416) 808-7268 or Danielle.Bottineau@torontopolice.on.ca.
Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Inspector Chris Fernandes, Divisional Policing Support Unit

Five-Week safety initiative launched in downtown core

Toronto Police Service News Release

Five-Week safety initiative launched in downtown core, Toronto Crime Stoppers video released

Friday, November 30, 2012 - 12:45 PM
52 Division:  416-808-5200

As the holiday season is upon us, our attention is often distracted with gift buying, office luncheons and other celebrations, which makes us vulnerable to crime. Today launched the start of a five-week neighborhood safety initiative in the downtown core. The goal is to remind people to be vigilant, to provide safety reminders and to let the public know there will be an increased police presence in the downtown core to assist you if need be. We want to ensure that everyone coming into the downtown core has a safe experience and feels safe.

Partnering with Toronto Crime Stoppers, 52 Division and 51 Division released a short video today that clearly illustrates ways in which crime can occur within seconds. With an ounce of prevention, we can continue to reducing the number of thefts.



The following are some safety tips:
- Never leave your personal belongings unattended!

- Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Criminals often target people who are distracted

- Place items out of sight in the trunk of your vehicle prior to reaching your destination. Never leave packages on the passenger side or glove compartment of the vehicle when unattended

- Hold on to your cell phone and keep it securely out of sight when not in use

- Carry your wallet in the front pocket of your pants, never in the rear pants pocket which is one of the easiest to pick

- When in a restaurant, a food court or a bar, don’t leave your handbag over the back of your chair, on a stool, or on the floor

- Do not overburden your hands with parcels. Have your car keys ready to unlock and start your vehicle

- Carry your purse close to your body. Never wrap the strap around your body

- Don’t leave belongings such as bags and laptop computers unattended

- Carry only the amount of cash or the number of credit cards necessary to make purchases

- Be wary on con artists. Some divert your attention through distraction tactics such as spilling your drink or bumping into you, while another picks your pocket or steals your purse or merchandise

Remember many crimes are crimes of opportunity. Do not give a thief the opportunity.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Inspector Howie Page, 52 Division

Source

53 Division's holiday-season crime-prevention tips

Toronto Police Service News Release

53 Division's holiday-season crime-prevention tips

Friday, November 30, 2012 - 6:15 AM
53 Division:  416-808-5300

The Toronto Police Service would like to advise the public of holiday-season crime-prevention tips.

During the holiday season and cooler weather, there is traditionally an increase in theft from vehicles, theft of vehicles, and theft of packages and gifts. These tips may help keep not only yourselves safe but your property secure.

- with the increased popularity of internet shopping, please ensure packages and parcels are delivered in person and not left unattended

- please keep valuables, (gifts, phones, computers etc.) out of your vehicles, and, if necessary, lock them in the trunk, out of plain view

- keep vehicles secure and lock and set your alarm if possible

- during the colder weather, people like to start their vehicles to warm them up. Please do not leave your vehicles unattended while running and, if available, use only factory-installed remote starting units

- keep your residence secure by locking doors and windows and activating the alarm if available

- keep your keys secure within your residence, which includes spare keys. Please keep them in a secure drawer or cabinet. Park your vehicles in a garage whenever possible

- have a neighbor pick up newspapers and mail when you are away during the holidays

Using these tips may help keep you and your property safe and secure.

Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Staff Sergeant Peter Henry, 53 Division

CAROLLERS WANTED

                     

MEDIA ADVISORY

CAROLLERS WANTED
TO HELP CHALLENGE WORLD RECORD

Mill Street World Carolling Challenge takes over

Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market on December 8

with more than 15,000 carollers expected

Mill Street Brewery and the Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market are embarking on a bold and very vocal campaign – to challenge a world record for most carollers singing in one place. Whether they will sing from the same song sheet is a different story! The public is invited to warm up those vocal cords and come out to the Distillery Historic District on Saturday, December 8 at 5 p.m. to support this challenge – with a great cause. Mill Street Brewery will donate $1 to the Daily Bread Food Bank for each person that participates in the Mill Street Carolling Challenge.

Organizers will give each caroller a candle holder with a reusable LED candle light. The Candy Cane Carollers will lead the singing with renditions of traditional holiday songs.

WHAT:    Mill Street Brewery World Carolling Challenge 

WHO:      Steve Abrams, 
   co-founder of Mill Street Brewery

                   Mathew Rosenblatt, 
   one of the creators of the Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market                       

               WHEN:    Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 5 p.m.       

WHERE:  Toronto Christmas Market @ Distillery Historic District

                  55 Mill Street

                  Toronto, ON M5A 3C4 

             www.thedistillerydistrict.com

           

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For more information, contact:

 Kathleen Stelmach

416-341-9929 ext. 227

647-830-0354 (cell)   

kathleen@torchiacom.com

Neighbourhood Safety Survey (October 15, 2012 to January 27, 2013)

The Toronto Police Service's Neighbourhood Safety initiative, from October 15, 2012, to January 27, 2013, builds upon the successes of the Summer Safety Project and aims to continue improve safety in our communities, as well as increase positive engagement between officers and members of the public.

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.

Please click here to access the survey




Source

Annual Founder's Dinner - December 7, 2012

Bloor Street Viaduct Joint Police R.I.D.E. Spot Check

Toronto Police Service News Release

Media advisory, Saturday, November 24, 2012, 10 p.m., Bloor Street Viaduct Joint Police R.I.D.E. Spot Check

Saturday, November 24, 2012 - 5:00 AM
54 Division:  416-808-5400

On Saturday, November, 24, 2012, at 10 p.m., officers will be on the Bloor Street Viaduct during the Grey Cup events. The Toronto Police Service will be teaming up with the OPP, RCMP and members from M.A.D.D. Canada, including Marlene Stevens who lost her husband due to an impaired driver.

Officers will be at various undisclosed locations.

Four people are killed and 174 injured every day in Canada as a result of an impaired driving crash.

The Toronto Police Service is reminding drivers to have a plan prior to attending any event involving the consumption of alcohol. Make use of a designated driver, public transit or taxi.

“Drinking for one - devastation for many." said Sergeant Jack West.

Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Sergeant Jack West, 54 Division

Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market lights up the city for third year

Magical event returns to the Distillery Historic District, November 30 to December 16

TORONTO, November 5, 2012 – A seven hundred year old tradition has now officially, and permanently, made its way into Toronto’s calendar and cultural fabric. The Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market, put on by the Distillery Historic District, is on for a third year, November 30 to December 16. Organizers announced its program today and, based on it and last year’s event, it’s going to mean a whole lot of fun and magic for residents and tourists alike, from the very young to the elderly. The only prerequisites: an appreciation for open-air activities, a curiosity for Old World Christmas markets and an ability to walk on 

cobblestone.

“The Lowe’s Christmas Market is a not-to-be-missed event,” said Mathew Rosenblatt, one of the event’s creators. “In many ways it symbolizes what Toronto has to offer – intrigue, fun, beauty through art, community and seasonal celebrations of import to our residents.”

The event is free and expected to attract an estimated 200,000 visitors.

The Old World has rarely felt so new and exciting

For the past 700 years, Christmas Markets have dotted the landscape in Germany, Austria and other parts of Europe. Markets endear visitors with their artisanal products, Christmas decorations, entertainment, festive activities and ambience. Founded in 2010, the Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market captures the heritage and charm of these traditional European Christmas markets.

“On an ordinary day, the Distillery Historic District has a way of transporting visitors to another time and place,” said Rosenblatt. “During this two-week period, we’re able to offer visitors even more by allowing them to rediscover the magic of Christmas and to experience the grandeur, sights and sounds of a traditional European Christmas Market, right here amidst the comforts of Toronto.”

With over 40 vendors, 18,000 lights, a 45-foot White Spruce tree donated by Trees Ontario and a wide variety of entertainment, the event features a little something for everyone. There is Santa’s Lane that features a fairytale forest maze, Santa’s House presented by Natrel Baboo, a children’s size gingerbread house and the elves’ workshop presented by Lowe’s. New this year is The South Pole presented by MasterCard’s Priceless Toronto, which offers a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, train and pony rides. With the help of sponsors and local merchants, the event also features complimentary gift wrapping, a full-site license with a variety of beer and mulled wine (Glühwein) gardens, specialty treats, handcrafted items, carolers, and much more. Live musical entertainment from celebrity performers will also take place each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening at 7p.m.

The city is invited to get into the holiday spirit and join the Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market on Friday, November 30 at 6 p.m. for the official tree lighting ceremony and special musical guests to mark the festival’s opening. In addition, event organizers will also celebrate St. Nicholas day on December 5 and Saint Lucia Day on December 12, both beginning at 6 p.m.

For more information, visit www.torontochristmasmarket.com. Like the event on Facebook: www.facebook.com/torontochristmasmarket or follow developments on Twitter: @TOChristmasMkt.

About Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market

The Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market takes place at the Distillery Historic District in downtown Toronto from November 30 to December 16. The event, now in its third year, recreates the magic of traditional European Christmas markets that began in the early 1400s and features family-friendly entertainment, food and merchandise from around the world, outdoor heated beer and mulled wine gardens, and a 45-foot White Spruce Christmas tree decorated with over 18,000 lights.

About Lowe’s

Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world, serving approximately 15 million customers a week in its more than 1,700 stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico.  Lowe’s Companies Canada, ULC first opened Canadian stores in December 2007 and now operates 32 stores in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia with more than 4,500 employees company-wide.

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For more information:

Kathleen Stelmach Mary Moniz

Torchia Communications Torchia Communications

(416) 341-9929 ext.224 (416) 341-9929 ext.221

kathleen@torchiacom.com mary@torchiacom.com

Holiday spending with a caution,Fraud prevention and awareness tips

Toronto Police Service News Release

Thursday, November 22, 2012, Broadcast time: 17:00

Financial Crimes Unit:  416−808−7300

Law enforcement, corporate security and private industry security are well aware that over the next couple of months there will be hundreds of millions of dollars in sales transactions. The majority of these sales transactions will be done by debit cards and credit cards.

With upcoming events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, the Grey Cup weekend and the holiday season fast approaching, the Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit has partnered with the Canadian Bankers Association to bring awareness to the public and to retailers on how they can protect themselves from being a victim of financial crime.

Here are a few tips:

1. When shopping online, check the website address and make sure you are on the correct website

2. Research unknown websites prior to making a purchase. Just because the website looks professional (well−constructed) does not mean it is safe

3. Never provide more information than necessary to make a purchase. You should not provide your birth date or social insurance number

4. Never use money transfer services unless you know the person you are sending the money to

5. Never click a link e−mailed to you by an unknown person or business

6. Be wary of banner ads that redirect you to different websites

Visit the Financial Crimes Unit page on the Toronto Police Service website.

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