Thunder Bay – NEWS – It is Crime Prevention Week.
As Ontario marks Crime Prevention Week, the province is calling on Ontarians to get involved in their communities by taking a few simple steps to protect their own safety, and make crime prevention a year-round habit.
Crime Prevention Week, which runs November 7 to 13, is an annual awareness event in partnership with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. It provides an opportunity to highlight the successful partnerships Ontario’s dedicated police have been able to create with local community organizations across the province to prevent crime and increase the safety and well-being of Ontario communities.
This year’s theme “Safer Communities, Stronger Ontario” is a reminder of the benefits that a collaborative approach to community safety and well-being can achieve and how community safety is a shared responsibility by every Ontarian which directly contributes to the strength and well-being of each community across the province.
“While crime prevention is an integral part of what police services do each and every day to protect us and our families, it does not rest on their shoulders alone,” said Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General. “Everyone has a role to play when it comes to crime prevention. Together we can keep our communities safe and create a stronger Ontario for our families, our friends and our neighbours.”
Here are a few tips to help make crime prevention a habit and contribute to overall community safety and well-being:
- Report suspicious activity to police
- Have conversations with friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable or at risk to being taken advantage of such as elderly, adults or teens
- Share safety information on community social media channels
- Learn how to stay protected from cybercrime, online scams and identity theft.
“No one chooses to be a victim of crime. But when crime happens, it hurts. Especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to reflect on what’s important to us, our families, and our communities. Crime Prevention Week is an opportunity for everyone to focus on preventing crime wherever we live in Ontario,” said Chief Gary Conn, President, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.
In Thunder Bay where there has been a growing issue with drug houses, and drug trafficking here are some tips on how to recognize the illegal activity around so-called trap houses:
Signs of illegal activity
If a property is being used for an illegal activity you may notice some common signs.
Seeing one of these signs doesn’t always mean illegal activity is going on, but if they happen often or together, a problem may exist.
Some common signs of illegal activity include:
- frequent visitors at all times of the day and night
- frequent late night activity
- extensive home security
- residents that are rarely seen, distant or secretive
- windows blackened or curtains always drawn
- neglected property and yard
- people repeatedly visiting the property who only go to the door for a short time
- residents who regularly meet vehicles near the property for a short time
- strange odours coming from the house or garbage
- garbage that contains numerous bottles and containers, particularly chemical containers
- putting garbage in a neighbour’s collection area
