Crime Prevention Week: Working Together To Build Safer Communities

4 November 2006

November 5th - 11th, 2006 has been designated as Crime Prevention Week in Ontario. The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services uses this week to heighten awareness of crime prevention and community safety issues. The Ministry's theme for 2006 is "Working Together to Build Safer Communities". This theme will raise the profile and awareness of crime prevention and heighten our joint efforts to create safe and strong communities in Ontario. The following crime prevention and community safety issues have been selected by the OPP Crime Prevention Section of Investigation Bureau:

Domestic Violence

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Domestic violence has devastating consequences for the victims, their children and the community. It is a predictable and preventable crime that is a concern of the entire community. Everyone has the right to be and feel safe in their home. November is domestic violence awareness month. Pay attention and make it your business to help keep everyone in your community safe.

Seniors Crime Stoppers

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The Seniors Crime Stoppers initiative encourages members of the public to call their local Crime Stoppers programme with information on crimes committed against the elderly. To report a crime against a senior and remain anonymous and possibly receive a cash reward of up to $2,000 call Seniors Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

School Emergency Plans

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Ontario Schools are required to develop an Emergency Response Plan in order to respond to a school emergency in a safe fashion. OPP Detachments have partnered with many of their area schools to support the development of the plan and coordinate the response to a possible violent school incident. Educators, students and parents play an integral role in the success of these plans. By educating themselves on the plans and participating in school drills, all members of the community are better able to respond in the event of a situation. Local OPP Detachment officers are committed to their role in ensuring students across Ontario are educated in safe environments and continue to work with the community to build on the existing security within schools.

Crime Stoppers

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Crime Stoppers provides a means by which members of the public can play a significant role in building safer communities by calling with concerns about crimes being committed in their neighbourhoods. Since the inception of Crime Stoppers in 1976, there has never been an instance where the identity of the tipster has been divulged. In addition, the 39 Ontario programmes offer a cash reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest of a person involved in crime.

Crime Prevention Through Social Development

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Detecting crime, incarceration, and deterring likely offenders are very expensive undertakings. It has been repeatedly proven that well-designed social development programs can prevent crime and be cost-effective. Crime prevention in its simplistic form is reducing future crimes. In order to be truly effective in crime prevention, all members of society must become involved.

For further information: and comprehensive tip sheets please view our website www.opp.ca/Community/CrimePrevention

Source: newswire

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