May 24, 2018: Neilly’s Neighbourhood;
Summer Safety.
By Cst Dawn Neilly, OPS.
Finally, the time has come to talk about safety and security in the community now that fine weather is with us. You may have noticed the increased presence of bicycles on the street (note: street, not sidewalk, please) and pedestrians doing shopping on foot or just out for a stroll.
It’s a pretty happy looking scene. Something to consider though, is that it’s not just law-abiding residents out enjoying the day; would-be thieves are just as thrilled to be out in the nice weather for a couple of reasons.
Winter is finally over and now we’re into our other season, that is the construction season. This might be nothing more than a bit of work in the backyard, but it could mean that ladders – good for accessing upper storey windows are left lying in plain sight, or tools like hammers and crowbars, both handy for prying open locked doors or windows, are left lying around.
Would-be thieves are pretty canny when it comes to taking advantage of opportunities that present themselves, so no need to make it any easier for them. Put ladders and tools away when they’re no longer in use.
The increased number of bicycles out in the neighbourhood is an attractive proposition to would-be thieves. “I’ll only be gone a few minutes,” is no guarantee your bike won’t be stolen. Get a good lock and use it whenever you’re away from your bicycle even if it’s for a few minutes.
It’s also a good idea to engrave an identifying number, like your driver’s licence number, on your bicycle in case it is stolen and later recovered by police who can then get it back to you.
You can borrow an engraver for free from the Community Police Centre, located at the Hintonburg Community Centre, 1064 Wellington St. West. Call 613-236-1222, ext. 5870 or 5871 to make sure we’re open.
Happy summer!
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