Crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility

  (L) Hanover Police Chief Christopher Knoll, Meridian staff Sarah Stewart, Erin Aldridge, Olivia                           Vandever, MPP Bill Walker and Special Constable Sarah Monkman

The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police recently launched its Crime Prevention Campaign which focuses on raising awareness of what individuals can do to help build safer communities across Ontario.

“Protecting the people from crime is one of government’s fundamental responsibilities,” said Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker. “That’s why I’m pleased to participate in the Crime Prevention Campaign, organized by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. It’s also why our government passed the Comprehensive Ontario Police Services Act. This legislation is a key part of our promise to make Ontario safer, stand up for victims and hold criminals accountable for their actions.”

As part of the Campaign, Walker joined Hanover Police Chief Christopher Knoll and visited a number of local businesses for “Team Huddles” to prevent robberies.

“Crime prevention on the community level is an important part of reducing crime. Our Government will continue to ensure the police, the government, and the people remain partners in creating a more secure province,” said Walker. “Police deserve our gratitude and respect. That’s why our government is providing police the tools, resources and support they need to do their jobs.”

“The Hanover Police Service enjoyed the opportunity to meet with our local MPP to discuss public safety, security and community well-being issues that impact our work in our community and greater regional community,” said Hanover Chief of Police Christopher Knoll. “MPP Walker was engaged and joined our service on a community patrol, while also participating in our robbery prevention “team huddles” at local businesses. Crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility and we want to remind community members that collectively we can all do our part to reduce crime through proven crime prevention strategies. A safer more secure community begins with you.”

The OACP is encouraging local Police Services to use a new informational booklet developed by throughout the year to raise awareness of many types of crimes, including:

  • Suspicious activities and why you need to be aware and alert.
  • Cannabis impairment and why making the wrong choices in the new era of legal cannabis can lead to tragic results.
  • Financial scam that continue to grow in both numbers and impact:
  • Identity theft
  • Bank and credit card fraud
  • On-line scams
  • Lottery scams
  • “Phishing” email scams
  • Auto insurance fraud
  • “Porch Pirate” thefts, where on-line purchases are stolen after delivery to your property