Crime Prevention

Crime prevention and personal safety tips to help keep you and your community safe from crime

Many people are concerned about the threat of rising crime in their communities. Fortunately, there are ways to help protect your home and your neighborhood from crime.

Neighbourhood watch tips

Hold regular meetings to help residents get to know each other and to decide upon program strategies and activities.

Canvass door-to-door to recruit members.
Gather the facts about crime in your neighborhood. Check police reports, conduct victimization surveys, and learn residents’ perceptions about crimes. Often, residents’ opinions are not supported by facts, and accurate information can reduce the fear of crime.
Physical conditions like abandoned cars or overgrown vacant lots contribute to crime. Sponsor cleanups, encourage residents to beautify the area, and ask them to turn on outdoor lights at night.

Neighbourhood Safety tips for parents

Know where your children are. Have your children tell you or ask permission before leaving the house and give them a time to check in or be home. When possible, have them leave a phone number of where they will be.
Help children learn important phone numbers. Have your children practice reciting their home phone number and address, and your work and cell phone numbers. If they have trouble memorizing these, write them down on a card and have them carry it at all times. Tell your children where you will be and the best way to reach you.
Choose a safe house in your neighborhood. Pick a neighbor’s house where your children can go if they need help. Point out other places they can go for help, like shops, community center and police stations.
Teach children to settle arguments with words, not fists. Role-play talking out problems, walking away from fist fights, and what to do when confronted with bullies. Remind them that taunting and teasing can hurt friends and make enemies.
Work together with your neighbors. Watch out for suspicious and unusual behavior in your neighborhood. Get to know your neighbors and their children so you can look out for one another.

Home Security tips

Ensure that all doors and windows are locked at night and when leaving the home.
Contact the police if you notice any unusual or concerning activity in the neighbourhood.
Do not keep home keys outside that can be easily found by thieves.
Notify the neighbors before traveling out of town.
Consider investing in a safe to store all valuable belongings.