Coffee With The Cops of 51 Division and IDAHO

Inspector McLean, PC Bottineau and LGBT CCC Co-Chair Chris Hudspeth

Auxiliary Staff Sergeant Ince 

with Auxiliary PC Hussein

Toronto police officers joined community members in celebrating the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) on Church Street.

IDAHO is celebrated on May 17 in more than 50 countries around the world, as a call for respect for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered community and to encourage people to stand up against 

PC Khan with PC Bottineau

homophobia.

This year, the Chief’s LGBT Community Consultative Committee (CCC), co-chaired by Christopher Hudspeth, of the Church-Wellesley Village Business Improvement Association, celebrated IDAHO with a big street barbecue.

PC Mugford with event
hostess Heroine Marks

The event is the product of a strong relationship between the police and LGBT community. This event also resulted in money being raised to assist youth in the community who are working on positive social justice issues.

Hudspeth said the community celebration was a great start to the summer. “Weeks after the event, people   were still talking about it.” and “Having a police presence in a community helps to curb crime and make community members more diligent in reporting.”

Crews and Tango Grilling and Chilling

Sponsored by representatives from the local business community, the LGBT CCC hosted over 400 people, providing hot dogs, soft drinks, along with tea and coffee.

Hudspeth was joined by officers from 51 Division and the Service’s LGBT Internal Support Network, in engaging the community in lively conversations.

gay lesbian church and wellesley church&wellesley church & wellesley, transgendered transexual questioning twinned toronto

2011 Police Officers Of the Month Awards - 51 Division

Sergeant Robert Davies, 51 Division; Detective David Irish and Constables Jason Hillier, Paul Korac, Brent Johnston and Mike O’Connor, Organized Crime Enforcement

On October 29, 2010, an investigation began regarding a male suspect who was trafficking in crack cocaine.  The suspect was contacted by phone and engaged in a drug‐related conversation, during which he agreed to sell crack cocaine for an agreed price at a given location.

Constable Mike O’Connor was undercover and attended the location, where he was met by the suspect and his partner.  Both suspects got into the officer’s vehicle and engaged the officer in a drug‐related conversation.  The suspects then refused to complete the transaction, left the vehicle, and began to flee on foot.  Sergeant Robert Davies and Constables Paul Korac, Brent Johnston and Jason Hillier identified themselves as police officers and advised the suspects they were under arrest for trafficking in cocaine.  One of the suspects immediately fled on foot from the building and Constables Korac and Hillier gave chase.  Sergeant Davies and Constable Johnston took physical control of the first suspect, but a violent struggle ensued.  The suspect struck Sergeant Davies in the face and the upper body area to try to break free.  During the struggle, the suspect produced a firearm from his waistband and pointed it at the officers.

The officers continued to struggle with the suspect. The suspect was able to break free of the officer’s grasp and flee, still holding the firearm.  Detective Irish joined in and followed the suspect on foot into a nearby schoolyard.  The suspect then discarded his firearm and a quantity of crack cocaine onto the ground.  He was later apprehended and taken into custody.  The second suspect was also seen brandishing a firearm and pointed it at a citizen who was jogging in the schoolyard.  Constable Korac chased after the suspect and saw him throw his firearm into the bushes.  After a brief struggle, Constable Korac gained control of the suspect and placed him under arrest.

In recognition of their brave actions and dedication to duty, Sergeant Robert Davies, Detective David Irish And Constables Jason Hillier, Paul Korac, Brent Johnston and Mike O”Connor have been selected as Police Officers Of The Month for October 2011.

"Helmets for Helpers" Campaign, TAVIS Recognizing Positive Community Contributions

Toronto Police Service News Release

"Helmets for Helpers" Campaign, TAVIS Recognizing Positive Community Contributions,

Monday, May 14, 2012 - 9:41 AM
TAVIS:  416-808-0144

On Monday, May 14, 2012, the Toronto Police Service Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy (TAVIS) launched the "Helmets for Helpers" Campaign in the City of Toronto that will continue for the duration of the summer.

The TAVIS Rapid Response Team Officers will be out looking for community members of all ages that are making positive contributions within the community, and bike helmets will be awarded to them, on the spot, in recognition of their good deeds.

Five Helmets will be given away each day.

The Goals of TAVIS are to:
- reduce violence
- increase safety in the community
- improve the quality of life for members of high-risk communities

For more information, please contact Staff Sergeant Ronald Khan, of the Divisional Policing Support Unit at 416-808-0106, Ronald.Khan@torontopolice.on.ca or Staff Sergeant Ronald Reed, TAVIS at 416-808-0144, Ronald.Reed@torontopolice.on.ca.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Staff Sergeant Ronald Khan, Divisional Policing Support Unit

Kickoff to Police Week, "Leading the way to a safer tomorrow"

Toronto Police Service News Release

Media advisory, Monday, May 14, 2012, 9:30 a.m., Headquarters, lobby, Kickoff to Police Week, "Leading the way to a safer tomorrow"

Monday, May 14, 2012 - 5:00 AM
Community Mobilization:  416-808-0135

The 2012 Police Week Kickoff will be held on Monday, May 14, 2012, 9:30 a.m., in the main lobby of Toronto Police Headquarters, 40 College Street.

This year’s theme is “Leading the way to a safer tomorrow.” Since 1970, Police Week has been observed in May, coinciding with Peace Officers Memorial Day, recognized internationally on May 15.

Our keynote speaker for this year’s event will be L’Honorable Madeleine Meilleur, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

Immediately following the event, an informal reception with light refreshments will be held in the Grenville lobby.

For further information about this event, please contact Constable Isabelle Cotton at 416-808-0135 or by email at Isabelle.Cotton@torontopolice.on.ca.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Constable Isabelle Cotton, Divisional Policing Support Unit

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month This Weekend

May 12, 2012:  Asian Heritage Month 

What:       Celebrating Achievement and Recognizing Partnerships
Asian Heritage Month, duly recognized in 2002 by the Government of Canada, offers the opportunity to celebrate the contributions that Asian Canadians have made towards the growth and prosperity of Canada. Since then, communities across the country have been organizing annual festivities to recognize this important part of our Canadian heritage. 

This year’s theme “Celebrating Achievement and Recognizing Partnerships”, will allow the opportunity to appreciate the contributions made by all Asian communities and in addition the chance to highlight South Asian Canadians. 

Immediately following the event at approximately 7:00 p.m., an informal reception with refreshments will be held at ‘Haandi Restaurant’ located at 1401 Gerrard Street East, Toronto. 

For further information on this event and to confirm your attendance, please contact Victoria Shaw, Divisional Policing Support Unit directly at 416-808-0119, or via email victoria.shaw@torontopolice.on.ca.

Who:        Everyone!
Where:    Gerrard Street East & Woodfield Road
When:     Saturday May 12, 2012  Starting at 6:00pm


May 12, 2012:  30th Annual Toronto Police Children's Games 

What:       Bringing together about 250 children with amazing spirit with the Toronto Police Community
Who:        Everyone!
Where:    Variety Village, 3701 Danforth Avenue
When:     Saturday May 12, 2012  10:00am - 2:00pm

The only call your mother should be receiving this Mother's Day is from you

Communications Services PSA campaign, Proper use of 9−1−1,
The only call your mother should be receiving this Mother's Day is from you
Broadcast time: 16:54 Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Communications Services:  416−808−8800

The Toronto Police Service is launching its fifth of 12 PSA campaign videos promoting the proper use of the 9−1−1 emergency system. This month's focus is on calling 9−1−1 to report suspected impaired drivers. The only call your mom should receive this Mother's Day is from you.

Click here to view the latest video.


Impaired driving is the #1 cause of criminal death in Canada, yet every impaired driving crash is preventable. By calling 9−1−1 and reporting suspected impaired drivers to police, all Canadians can play a role in keeping our roads safe and reducing impaired driving crashes, deaths and injuries. This message is delivered by MADD Canada and supported by the Ontario Associations of Chiefs of Police.

In 2011, over 5,200 calls were made to 9−1−1 to report a suspected impaired driver, and over 4,200 people have been charged with Criminal Code driving offences, which include Driving While Impaired and Over 80mg, in 2011.

This year so far, there have been over 1,400 calls placed to 9−1−1 to report suspected impaired drivers.

"Using 9−1−1 is an effective way to report emergency situations to police. Impaired drivers pose a significant risk to public safety and certainly are emergencies. Do not put yourself in danger; call 9−1−1 and provide the information to our call−takers. Everyone can assist in keeping our roads safe and in reducing impaired driving collisions, injuries and deaths," said Superintendent Elizabeth Byrnes, Unit Commander of Communications Services.

What do I do if I suspect someone is driving impaired?
1. Call 9−1−1
2. Advise the call−taker why you are calling and provide the call−taker with the requested information that might include:
      − Vehicle Description
      − Licence plate number of vehicle
      − Colour of vehicle
      − Make and Model of vehicle
      − Direction of Travel for the vehicle
      − Description of Driver
3. "What makes you think the driver is impaired?"
4. "Are you Following the Vehicle?"

The call−taker will advise any caller who is following an impaired driver to stop following the vehicle. The Toronto Police Service does NOT encourage citizens to follow or pursue vehicles or persons under any circumstance.

"Every member of society should do their part to ensure that no one they know drives while impaired or gets into a vehicle with an impaired driver. By simply calling 9−1−1 to make a report, we all make our roadways safer for everyone", said TPS Staff Superintendent Jane Wilcox of Specialized Operations.

Click here for related TPS article.

"Impaired driving crashes can’t be taken back, that’s why prevention and intervention are essential. Ontario has significant consequences for impaired drivers but if that won’t deter them, Operation Lookout is a great program to get these drivers off the road before they crash" said Mary Purnell, Arrive Alive Board Member.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Superintendent Elizabeth Byrnes, Communications Services

Making Waves for Victims

A Toronto police canoe team is taking on Lake Ontario, as a tribute to the struggle of victims of crime and to help fund the program that provides support for those victims.  The team will be paddling from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Sunnyside Beach in Toronto, July 21, with a goal to raise $10,000 for Victim Services Toronto. The non-profit organization partners with the police to provide immediate on-site crisis counselling and referral services for victims of domestic abuse and other crimes and to those who have lost a loved one. “Now it’s time for us to lend our support to these vital programs and services. It’s time to give back and do our part,” said Make Waves For Victims team member Insp. Joanna Beaven. The team is comprised of S/Insp. Heinz Kuck, Insp. Beaven, S/Sgt Peter Henry and Consts. Joel Landry, Jason Ngo, Marc Kalteis, John Bayes, Jazen Brautigam – all of 53 Division. Victim Services Toronto is represented by Tracey Finlay and the team is anchored by former Canadian National Dragon Boat Team champion Peter Buday. They expect to make the 51.5-kilometre journey in under five hours – a new record – by relaying team members every 45 minutes. S/Insp. Heinz Kuck, who leads the team, said the team is united behind the cause because of the strength and courage of the victims they have seen as police officers and Victim Services staff. “Emotional and physical pain is part of the human experience,” Kuck said. “We have all known its wrath in one form or another. Sometimes it presents itself physically, like the aftermath of an assault or accident. At other times it’s emotionally – from abuse by act, words, gesture – worse still, with the sudden loss of a child or parent. No one escapes some kind of pain in their life.” Kuck said Victim Services Toronto gives people a place to turn to seek out accessible services and programs that offer respite from their circumstances. “Sudden trauma or tragedy can be devastating.  When these victims have nowhere else to turn, who provides accessible services and programs? Who offers a respite in the storm of physical and/or emotional trauma? Who offers support borne of raw experience and tempered by disciplined training?  The answer to that question is the fine team at Victim Services Toronto.” Victim Services Toronto relies heavily on donations to provide assistance to 20,000 people each year. The team is now training to be ready for their crossing, with the help of Outrigger Performance Advantage owner Peter Buday, a champion in sprint kayaking and dragon boat racing. Kuck said the team will be spreading the word about the crossing through visits to schools, malls and community centers, to engage in indoor paddle machine races with the community. They will also be fundraising through community BBQs, car washes, and youth sporting events. He said that, beyond fundraising, he hopes to make Victim Services Toronto a household name because of the dedicated efforts of all their staff. To donate, visit makewaves.myevent.com

Help Fill the Food Banks

Help Fill the Food Banks just by watching this video and sharing it on Facebook and Twitter. For every YouTube view, before May 11, 2012, Shaw will donate $1 to the food bank drive and Campbell Canada will donate 1 pound of food up to $250,000 and 250,000 pounds of food respectively.

Click here to view and donate to Help Fill the Food Banks

Public advisory, Toronto Police Service offers opportunity for more community input with online polling

Tuesday, May 1, 2012 - 5:58 PM
Corporate Planning: 416-808-7770

To expand the opportunities for community input, the Toronto Police Service has included online polling on its website.

Questions will be posted on various policing issues and the results published at the end of the period. Results from previous polls are also available.

A new poll began on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. The survey asks about cycling in the City of Toronto – what safety precautions you take when cycling and obeying the rules of the road.

The TPS is encouraging the people of Toronto to visit the "Have Your Say" section on the TPS website, and provide the Service with their opinions.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Carrol Whynot, Corporate Planning

"S.T.E.P. U.P." safety program -- Pedestrian countdown traffic signals

"S.T.E.P. U.P." safety program - Pedestrian countdown traffic signals
Broadcast time: 17:53, Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Traffic Services:  416−808−1900

The TPS Traffic Services Traffic Safety Programmes Unit would like to remind and assist the public through its "S.T.E.P. U.P." (Safety Tips for Educating Pedestrians in an Urban Population) safety program, about the proper use of pedestrian countdown traffic signals. The countdown traffic timer provides a numeric countdown display that indicates the number of seconds remaining for a pedestrian to complete the crossing.

The timer starts counting at the beginning of the pedestrian flashing "Don't Walk" display, and finishes counting (i.e. a "zero" display is shown) at the end of the pedestrian flashing "Don't Walk" display. There is no countdown display during the pedestrian "Walk" or solid "Don't Walk" displays.

Pedestrian control signals – Don’t walk
The Ontario Highway Traffic Act 144(27) stipulates that no pedestrian approaching pedestrian control signals and facing a solid or flashing "Don't Walk" indication shall enter the roadway. Pedestrians should use the flashing helping hand and countdown timer as an indicator to complete their crossing, or go to the nearest island or median if available, and wait for the next walking person display.

Countdown timers are designed to provide supplemental information to pedestrians to aid in crossing during the "flashing Don't Walk" indication. They are not designed to provide motorists with information related to the amount of green time remaining or to address vehicular red−light−running violations.

The installation of these devices is to provide pedestrians with more information to assist them with a safer passage across the street.

The "S.T.E.P. U.P." pedestrian safety program has been designed by the Toronto Police Service to promote cooperative safety strategies with members of our communities, using awareness, education and enforcement strategies to heighten public awareness of pedestrian safety.

One of the best ways to keep our streets safe is for everyone to be courteous and cautious at all times. If the streets are safer for pedestrians, they are safer for all other road−users as well. We all need to continue to be vigilant in our safety efforts.

We ask those who drive to take extra care on the roads and in parking lots, or any location that they may encounter pedestrians, especially in areas where children and seniors might be present.

Here are some tips to help you cross the street safely:
− Be predictable
− Do not make decisions that place you in the path of oncoming traffic
− Make sure the road is clear and all traffic has come to a complete stop
− Stop before entering the roadway
− You must press the button to activate the walk signal at an intersection where a pedestrian pushbutton is installed
− Cross at an intersection when available; avoid crossing mid−block
− Begin crossing on a fresh walk signal
− Be aware of the countdown timer
− Continuously scan the area until you are safely across the street
− Be aware of how long it takes you to cross the street
− Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you
− Cross with caution
− Continue to look for traffic in all directions

All motorists, transit−users, cyclists and pedestrians are reminded that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, obey all traffic laws and be diligent when using our streets.

To learn more about the City of Toronto’s Transportation Services Programs that aim to reduce pedestrian injury and death through education and awareness, click here.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Constable Hugh Smith, Traffic Services

Community Environment Day with Pam McConnell - May 5, 2012

Garden District/Moss Park Community Action Plan Meeting

Shelters, safety top Moss Park, Garden District to-do list

Residents of Moss Park and the Garden District met with local politicians on April 23 to provide feedback and suggestions for the future of their community.

The meeting, held by city councilor Kristyn Wong-Tam and Toronto Centre MPP Glen Murray, is one of five follow-ups to initial meetings held in May and June of last year to draft a community action plan to engage local residents and stakeholders to develop long-term goals for wards 27 and 28.

“This is a period when a lot of change is happening,” said one community member, “and it’s a critical time to look ahead, and to take part in the planning for the neighbourhood. It’s about community building.”

Poverty and related health and safety issues topped the list of concerns for area residents. David Raycroft, director of housing and homelessness services at Dixon Hall, was present, and expressed his desire to see more support for street people. “We have a shelter located on George St., so my interest is in what happens with the folks in the shelter,” he said.

Councilor Wong-Tam said that action is being taken, but that some neighbourhoods—particularly around George St.—are going to need a lot of work. To start, she has begun pushing rooming house owners to bring their facilities up to code, has asked the local police station for more support in troubled areas, and has met one on one with George St. property owners to see how they can help.

14 new affordable housing units are also being built. It’s a good start, says Wong-Tam, but she believes her ward needs more resources if it wants to tackle poverty head on. “10% of all Section 37 funds in the ward is going back directly into [Toronto Community Housing Corporation] housing,” she says, “but that’s only going to scratch the surface.

“How do we ensure that we build more affordable housing and not less, and how do we not displace people? Pushing poor people out of a neighbourhood is not a solution for me, and I’m not interested in gentrification. I’m interested in empowering neighbourhoods, I’m interested in empowering residents.”

The councilor’s primary concern is that condominium developments, if left unchecked, are going to squeeze out the less fortunate. “If we allow the free market forces to run away with the neighbourhood, what we’re going to have is a very polarized neighbourhood of extreme wealth and extreme poverty,” she says, “and that’s not going to work for us. The neighbourhood needs to be cohesively woven together.”

Wong-Tam’s concerns were echoed by those present. Many were worried about building development, and didn’t want to see neighbourhoods losing their sunlight and sightlines to high-rise buildings, which they claim also compromises the historical character of the surrounding area.

Murray acknowledged this issue, and mentioned that the topic had come up in previous community meetings. “Balancing new development with heritage and identity, and preserving our historical architecture is very important,” he says.

Some action has been taken. City council is currently being asked to initiate a Heritage Conservation District Study, which could help to protect designated buildings.

Source:  The Bulletin

Don't forget to come to the Town Hall meeting!

April 30, 2012:  Toronto Centre Plan 

What:      Ward 27 Community Action Plan Meeting
Who:        Everyone!
Where:    Church of the Redeemer, 162 Bloor Street West

When:    Monday April 30, 6:00 - 8:00pm

Purpose/Goals of Meeting:

• Outline results of first meeting
• Provide relevant community updates from Glen Murray and Kristyn Wong-Tam
• Through collaborative group exercices, generate more detailed actionable items for the neighbourhood; what specifically do identified priorities look like?
  
  

Give a book. Be the Difference

Our goal is to collect 20,000 books to be distributed to the libraries established by the Second Chance Scholarship Foundation and The Children's Breakfast Club.  We hope to inspire children and youth who have not had the opportunity to develop a passion for reading.

Please drop off your book donation at ANY police division between May 13 and June 2, 2012

Spring Edition of Regent Park Life

Great information and tips to use whether you live in Regent Park or anywhere else!

Regent Park Life - Spring Edition

Mobile apps supported by 311 Toronto

311 Toronto recently invited application developers to work with the City using the Open311 standard. Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can now report potholes and graffiti to 311 using the supported apps listed below, with the ability to include a photo. Other apps are in discussion/development.
Get an app now! Visit one of these company sites for details on downloading a supported mobile app:

App & company site	Platform *	Service requests
SeeClickFixwww.seeclickfix.com/apps BlackBerry users: seeclickfix.com/bb	Android, BlackBerry, iPhone	Pothole, Graffiti
TDOT 311www.publicleaf.com/tdot311	iPhone	Pothole, Graffiti

The City of Toronto (the City) has reviewed the mobile applications identified in the list set out above (the Applications) exclusively to try to ensure that they are compatible with the City's internal 311 system. However, the City does not endorse the Applications, guarantee that they will meet your requirements, that their use will be uninterrupted, that there will be no delays, failures or errors or omissions or loss of transmitted information resulting from their use, that no viruses or other contaminating or destructive properties will be transmitted by their use or that no damage will occur to your mobile system due to their use. You have sole responsibility for use of the Applications and you use them entirely at your own risk. The City will not be liable to you or to others for any loss, damage or injury of any type caused or contributed to in any way by use of any of the Applications and any problems or damages arising from use of the Applications are a matter exclusively between you and the Application provider. You release and forever discharge the City from all claims arising from use of the Applications. * Platform names are trademarks of the respective vendor.

In discussion/development:

• CitySourced
• Connected Bits
• FixMyStreet.ca
• GeoReporter
• iPothole
• Rebuild Your Community

Tips on how to be a good "311 Mobile Reporter"

Please follow these few simple tips to help us help you:
1. Provide accurate address information.
When the map displayed on your mobile device is "zoomed out", sometimes we don't get a specific address. The crews need to know where to go to fix the problem.

For example:
33 Yonge Street: Good
1-50 Yonge Street: Not good – too general

Solution:
"Zoom In" on the location to provide us with the most accurate address possible.

2. Provide a short description of the problem in the report.
Yes, we'll get your picture if you provide it, but it may not be clear. A few words will really help out.
3. Provide a short description of the location in the text of the report.
This is necessary because the applications don't always give us the correct address automatically. The accuracy is based on the limitations of the phone, the quality of the cell signal, etc. Also, it's helpful to include information like:

"near the curb"
"20 feet from the corner"
"in front of the gas station"

About the Open311 standard

Open311 is a set of technologies and standards for providing open, two-way communication around city service- and issue-tracking. More specifically, Open311 enables a web-based application programming interface (API) to connect with existing 311 systems. This permits applications to be built that interface directly with the city.
For more information on Open311 and the collaborative effort to create an open standard for 311 services, visit the Open311 website (source).

UNITED video from CPLC 51 Division's Town Hall Meeting

UNITED - a powerful music video promoting tolerance and peace to young people the world over.#CPLC51DTownHall youtube.com/watch?v=nptzg2…
— CPLC - 51 Division (@CPLC51Division) April 18, 2012

Keep alert and stay safe - Town Hall Meeting

Keep alert and stay safe. 

It was one of the messages coming to the residents of 51 Division during an April 18 townhall session at St. Lawrence Hall designed to prevent people from becoming victims of crime.

“There have been street robberies across the division and we want to make people aware of their surroundings so they are less likely to be victimized,” 51 Division unit commander Supt. John Tanouye said, of the thefts that often target young people with electronic devices.

Presentations were also made by the Family Violence Unit, Crime Stoppers and the 51 Division crime analyst. All officers were involved in a panel afterwards open to questions from the 70 residents on hand.

Tanouye said elder abuse and domestic violence was a topic police wanted to address in order to encourage people to report the crimes.

“Some victims of abuse can’t see a way out of their situation,” he said. “We want them to know that the police can assist them in ending their abuse and connecting them with social services and other resources.”

Tanouye said the townhall was a “unified approach” to addressing victimization that allowed the community direct contact with the officers who do the job every day.

Public Safety Alert, ATM tamper devices at hospitals

Broadcast time: 14:49, Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Financial Crimes Unit: 416−808−7300

On Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., the Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit held a news conference.

Police would like to make the public aware of ATM skimming devices affixed to ATMs within hospitals.

In the past six months, tamper devices from ATM machines have been seized from the following hospitals:
1) The Scarborough General Hospital
2) North York General Hospital
3) Oakville−Trafalgar Memorial Hospital
4) Lakeridge Health Bowmanville
5) Southlake Health Centre (Newmarket)
6) Toronto East General Hospital
7) Toronto Western Hospital
8) Hospital for Sick Children

Tamper devices are equipped with a secondary card reader and a pinhole camera. Customer PIN and card data are recorded and stored on the devices for the production of counterfeit credit and debits.

This tamper devices are placed on top of legitimate components of the ATM.

Members of the public who use any ATM, at any location, are reminded to always cover your PIN.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police 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.

ID: 23251 1 / 6Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Staff Inspector Bryce Evans, Financial Crimes Unit

On Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., the Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit held a news conference:

TPS offers opportunity for more community input with online polling

Thursday, April 12, 2012
Corporate Planning, 416−808−7770

To expand the opportunities for community input, the Toronto Police Service has included online polling on its website.

Questions will be posted on various policing issues and the results published at the end of the period. Results from previous polls are also available.

A new poll began on Wednesday, April 11, 2012; the survey asks your opinions on gridlock in Toronto – is it getting better or worse and what is the best way to ensure efficient traffic flow during rush hours.

The TPS is encouraging the people of Toronto to visit the “Have Your Say” section on the TPS website, and provide the Service with their opinions.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Susan Deane for Donald Bevers, Corporate Planning

Child Safety Seat Clinics at 51 Division

Public Safety Alert: Coyote Sightings

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