Toronto Crime Stoppers and Toronto Police launch Illegal Firearm Awareness Campaign
Broadcast time: 11:30 AM
Date: Wednesday, Jul 26, 2023
Unit: Crime Stoppers Toronto
Phone: 4162228477
Case #: N/A
Today, Toronto Crime Stoppers was joined by Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw, the Toronto Police Services Board, the Toronto Police Integrated Gun & Gang Task Force, the Toronto Police Association and the Bolo Program for the launch of an Illegal Firearms Awareness Campaign.
The objective of the campaign is to raise awareness about the deadly impact of illegal firearms on communities, and to deter further criminality and save lives by educating and encouraging citizens on how to anonymously report information about illegal firearms.
This initiative was made possible thanks to the continued partnership and support from the Toronto Police Services Board, the Toronto Police Service, the Toronto Police Association, the Bolo Program, Community creative design team, and our community stakeholders.
Quotes:
“Gun violence continues to be one of the most significant public safety concerns in every major North American city, including right here in Toronto, where the vast majority of gun violence is perpetrated by people who are unlawfully in possession of illegal firearms. Thanks to Toronto Crime Stoppers, residents can anonymously provide information that helps get illegal guns off the streets, and save lives by doing so.” – Chief Myron Demkiw
“As a community, when we remain silent, we are all victims – this campaign is impactful and generates thoughts to action to keep our communities safe. This proactive approach to create awareness on illegal firearms is a testament to improving the safety of the community we serve and works to empower a movement of a crime free Toronto.” – Sean Sportun, Chair, Toronto Crime Stoppers
“Thanks to the innovative work of our members on the Firearms Bail Dashboard, we know there are more than one thousand people in the community on bail conditions for firearms offences. This campaign will assist police with locating, investigating, and arresting those in possession of illegal firearms before a tragedy occurs. We are proud of our partnership with Toronto Crime Stoppers, and we are pleased to support this campaign.” – Jon Reid, President, Toronto Police Association
“Trafficking in illegal firearms continues to be a lucrative business for criminal organizations, whose members have zero regard for public safety, and conduct their activities strictly for financial gain. The Crime Stoppers program works – specifically when it comes to activities surrounding illegal firearms. One small bit of anonymous information is often all that it takes to make an arrest, seize a firearm and potentially save lives.” – Inspector Norm Proctor, Integrated Gun & Gang Task Force
“See It, Say It, Stop It. Doing What’s Right Is Its Own Reward”
For further information, please contact Toronto Crime Stoppers Coordinator, Detective Marc Madramootoo at 416-808-7260 or Chair, Sean Sportun at 416-904-3805.
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Stephanie Sayer for Detective Marc Madramootoo