Crime Prevention Tips

• Remove valuables from windows.
• Take cash out of your registers and leave the cash tray out and visibly empty.
• Consider installing an alarm system and/or a surveillance system which can be monitored remotely
• Post on doors/windows that the premises are monitored by an alarm company and that no money is kept on the premises. Include the number to London Police Headquarters (519-661-5670) should anyone notice a break-in or damage.
• Consider having a laminate film installed on all windows/glass to discourage and help prevent easy entry.
• Keep some lighting on inside to help with video surveillance and consider putting lighting on timers if possible.
• Ensure all doors and windows are locked and secure.
• Ensure all exterior lighting is functioning, and on - consider motion sensor lights as another option.
• Remove anything from around the exterior of the building which could be used to gain entry to your premises (bricks, ladders, poles, construction materials).
• Regularly check the building and keep track of when you last checked it (have a log to assist police in narrowing down a time if an incident does occur), but do not be predictable in how often and when you check.

It’s that time of the year when people want to get away from the snow and enjoy some sunshine and warmth in some far away destination.  That also means ensuring your home is safe and secure while you are away.  Here are some tips to target harden your home while away.

• Talk to a trusted family members of friend to ensure they keep periodic checks on your home and collect any mail or flyers for you.
• if practical remove valuables from your home.  Small items can be placed in a safety deposit box.
• use timers to activate lights and radio at random intervals.
• install motion activated lights over dark areas in your yard.
• arrange to have your driveway shovelled
• unplug your garage door opener and lock your garage door
• unplug any appliances and electronics to reduce risk of fire
• always keep records of make/model and serial numbers of your electronics and other valuables (ie: musical instruments)
• check with your insurance company to ensure you are covered for extended absences,  there is often a clause requiring someone to check on your home periodically to maintain insurance coverage

Make sure your friend or family member looking after the home has:

• Your contact information in case of emergency.
• departure and return dates.
• preferred repair companies in the event of a problem.
• garbage collection schedule.
• if you have an alarm system, your code number and instructions on how to use the system. (remember to change the code when you return).

 Following these simple steps can help you to focus on enjoying your time away from home!

Don’t let a moment of convenience become a lifetime of regret

It only takes a few seconds for a child to be put at risk when left unattended in a vehicle. ‘Just a minute’ can quickly turn into five or longer. The risks to your child range from medical emergencies to becoming a victim of crime.

We have all heard media stories about parents who have left small children in their unattended vehicles, and the tragic results will remain with those parents for the rest of their lives. Even if the results aren’t tragic, leaving a child in an unattended vehicle could result in involvement with the Children’s Aid Society and/or potential provincial or criminal charges.

What could happen?

• Unattended children can accidently put a car in motion
• A child may experience a medical emergency (i.e.: choking, overheating or freezing)
• Some children can remove their safety restraints and exit the vehicle, wandering off
• Children may adjust the windows, possibly resulting in suffocation or death
• Your vehicle may be stolen with your child in it
• Your child may be abducted

What you can do:

• Never leave you child unattended in a vehicle
• Never underestimate the mindset and dexterity of a child
• Do not lock your child and keys in the vehicle
• Keep your keys in your possession and away from your children
• Ensure your vehicle is not left running and unlocked (which could also result in a City of London Bylaw fine of $90)
• Plan your outings to fit both you and your child’s schedule
• Use drive through services when possible
• Wake your child rather than leave them unattended

If you find a child unattended in a vehicle:

• Call 911 and provide them with the location, description of the vehicle including licence plate number
• Stay with the child until help arrives; the time you spend with this child could be the difference between life and death
• Request assistance from others to attempt to locate the vehicle owner

• Never give, write down, or share your PIN number - if you do, and if your account is illegally compromised, your bank will not compensate you for your loss.

• Avoid common PIN numbers such as birthdays or addresses - these are the most commonly hacked.

• If an online rental deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Be wary of apartment rental units in areas/cities that you cannot confirm are valid. Money paid as a deposit may be lost and the rental apartment may not actually exist.

• Be wary of buying concert or sporting event tickets online. Only go through reputable outlets to ensure you don't end up with a fraudulent ticket.

• Your bank or credit card company will never ask for your banking information in an email. They may call you and ask you to attend the bank, but they will never ask for privileged information on the phone or by email.

• The Canada Revenue Agency will never phone to ask you to pay outstanding income tax nor will it offer to give you back money for overpayment.

• DO NOT GIVE YOUR BANKING INFORMATION TO ANYONE OVER THE PHONE.

Important - When you dial "911", know where you are.  In the past all homes had a Bell phone line.  Since the introduction of cell phones there are many homes that do not have a dedicated phone line.  

Important facts to remember

• "911" from a cell phone -you need to know the address where you require emergency assistance
• help your children to memorize their home address.  Teach your child that in a panic they can find a piece of mail which will have the house address on it.
• have a plan for when children are home alone and the adults have the only cell phones with them
• a dead cell phone is "no cell phone" - keep phones charged all the time
• you can dial "911" from most cell phones that are not on a plan or have no minutes left on them
• the police do not know exactly where you are when you dial "911" from a cell phone

• Please lock your residence with a quality lock when you are going out.  We recommend a deadbolt system with a minimum of 4, 3 inch screws.

• Consider locking the front door if you are working in your backyard; sadly criminals plan for people leaving their front doors unlocked while gardening.

• Share your schedule with trusted neighbours and use the buddy system to check on one-another.

• Never hesitate to call police, if a crime is occurring use the emergency 911 system. If you are seeking advice, please use our non-emergency number 519 661 5670, and leave a message if the non-emergency number is not being answered due to volume.

• Consider signing up for the London Police Service's raids-on-line, this amazing software provides Londoner's with accurate crime data on a geographic mapping system.

• Consider taking images of your property and keeping a record of your serial numbers. Maintain your information in a secure manner for future reference.

• Consider cutting back the foliage on your property to allow for better sight lines.

• Motion detector lights are recommended for both the sides and rear of your residence.

• If you have a gate, we suggest you lock it and consider putting a bell on the reverse side that would ring if someone is attempting to jump the gate.

• Closed Circuit Television cameras have become affordable.  When correctly placed and maintained they can be an excellent prevention option.   

• Safely store prescription drugs in a locked container or cabinet. 

• Keep track of your drugs by knowing how much of your prescription should be remaining.  

• Promptly dispose of expired or unwanted medications by returning them to the pharmacy, do not dispose of medications in the garbage or by flushing them down the toilet.

• When disposing of empty medication containers remove all identifying information including the type of medication.

• Google Map your locations to familiarize your safety options.
• Provide two people with your itinerary with appropriate check-in times.
• Bring costume jewellery or minimal jewellery and use the hotel safe for storage of valuables.
• Hotel staff are not necessarily trustworthy, be careful with your personal information.
• Read and familiarize yourself with the travel warnings posted by trustworthy agencies about your destination.

• If you see a violent crime, call 911 before you record it.
• If you call 911, remember, your address or location is vital for a quick response.
• Be site aware, know your exits, and know where the secondary exit is if it exists.
• During the winter months, maintain an emergency bag for your vehicle.
• If you don't want to report a crime but want it solved, please consider Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477

• Never give, write down, or share your PIN number - if you do, and if your account is illegally compromised, your bank will not compensate you for your loss.
• Avoid common PIN numbers including birthdays and addresses - these are the most commonly hacked.
• On-line deals, if they sound too good to be true, they are! Be wary of apartment rental units in areas/cities that you cannot confirm the validity of same. Money paid up-front may be lost and your rental apartment may not actually exist.
• Be wary of concert/sporting event tickets on-line, the provider may be committing a fraud.
• Your banking institution or Credit Card Company will never email you for banking information. They may call you and ask you to attend the bank, but they will never ask for privileged information on the phone/Internet. 

• Don't leave your wallet or purse in your car. Don't leave valuables visible in your car.
• Use your trunk and lock the interior access button.
• Always lock your car when you park and put your windows up.
• Visually look into your car before you get into it.
• Have your car serviced regularly and ensure the gas tank is a minimum of half full.
• Have a car emergency kit containing: a first aid kit, working flashlight, water, snacks, blankets, emergency flares, cell phone, car charger, jumper cables and an empty gas canister.

When given the chance certain individuals will "peep" into your windows.

They may be looking for a house to break into, or it may be for a sexual reason.

To lower your chance of becoming the victim of a "peeper" keep in mind the following tips:

• Walk-around your house in low light to make sure your windows are properly covered.
• Spring is the time to remove hedges and tree limbs that may hide a "peeper".
• Put up motion lights at the sides and rear of your house.
• Keep your gate locked, to minimize access to your property.
• Trust your instincts, if you see someone on your neighbour's property, call your neighbour and let them know or call 911. 

We want to remind you that your bike could be a target of a theft. To minimize the potential of having your bike stolen, consider the following:

• Lock your bike in a location that is highly observable
• Use a high-quality lock. There is no point in buying a bike worth $500 or more and only protecting it with a $10 lock.
• If you are attending a store "just for a moment", lock your bike up - some criminals wait for this type of opportunity to steal a bike
• Lock your bike while at home - people often have their bikes stolen right out of their open garage when they are in the house or backyard.
• If you can, remove the front wheel and lock it to the frame and locking post
• Remove the seat and carry it with you
• Remove your lights if you can, these items are often stolen by opportunistic criminals
• Take a current photo of your bicycle and keep it in a safe location
• Write down the bike serial number and keep it in a safe location
• Remember the hotspots for thefts - health clubs, schools, outside of stores and in front of residences.

Have a safe season of bicycle riding.