Understanding the risk: Current media attention on the growing crime problems of our country as well as in the City of Toronto, has caught the attention of citizens and caused concern for their safety. All citizens should be aware of the crime trends that are occurring in their area and take action to reduce the risk of being a victim. Denial, fear or hiding from crime will not make it disappear and will actually allow crime to continue to escalate. Understanding criminal activity and taking action to reduce your exposure while continuing your life is your best defense.

Murders: This crime is tragic. It causes concern for safety more than any other crime that is committed. It is very unlikely that you will be a victim of this crime but no one is immune. Quite a few of the murders that take place in this city are committed by friends or those related to the victims.

Assaults: These crimes occur more frequently than homicides. Assaults mostly stem from two activities: commission of another crime, such as robbery, or an argument. Avoiding personal conflicts with others is the best way to reduce your chances of being a victim of violent crime. Be especially diplomatic in all your social dealings. Watch what you say and how you say it. If a situation is getting out of control, immediately get away from the situation. Always remember that simple arguments can quickly escalate to violence.

Walk with your head up and be alert: Criminals are looking for a quick and easy target. They want someone that will offer very little resistance and who will be unable to identify them and high profits. You will make yourself less of a target by simply keeping your head up and staying alert. Be alert to your surroundings; look for potential hazards; and have an escape planned. Use this plan every time you are in public. Walk like you have a mission: Walk like you have some place to go – do not run. What is walking with a mission? Think about that 30 degree below zero wind chill. When you got out of your car or off the bus to go to the grocery store you walked with a mission! You send out a psychological message that I know where I am going and no one is going to get in my way. This is not a good target for a criminal.

Make eye contact: The last thing a criminal wants is to be identified. When someone is walking toward you make momentary eye contact. Don’t stare! You are sending a very strong message to the potential criminal. “I know who you are and I am not intimidated.” Are you a good target?

These rules sound easy but they must be practiced so that they become habit. These habits will make you less of a target when you are out. There is one more rule that you must remember, there is no piece of property worth getting hurt over!! If you are robbed do not fight or make cute comments. If the attack is a physical attack every person must preplan their response. You must be aware of the possible hazards involved with any action you take. If an assault occurs you will not have time to weigh all options. You need to have a plan!

In the car….. Always lock your doors. - Don’t roll down the windows all the way. - Place purses and valuables out of sight. Preferably in the trunk. - Be alert of persons loitering at stopping points. - When stopped behind a car always leave space to pull around the car. (Do not stop too close). - If someone bumps into you check it out before you leave your car.

Parking your car… Look for people loitering in the parking lot, do not park by them. - Don’t leave property in your vehicle. - Arrange everything in your vehicle before you leave your vehicle. - Before you leave your vehicle look for hazards. - Lock your car, ALWAYS!

Walking, Jogging, Bicycling…..Do not wear earphones that restrict your ability to hear sounds around you. - Carry identification. - Always have change for the phone. - Do not use the same route and time every day. - Stay in well lighted and well travelled areas. - It’s safer and more fun with someone else.

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Pedestrians: Plan so that you are most visible to other people. This means that if you must walk alone, choose open, well lighted and well travelled places. Crooks don't like to strike where eye-witnesses can provide the police with a detailed account. Leave your purse at home if possible. If you must carry one, hold it firmly, close to your body. Purse snatchers prefer to grab from behind. If you walk or jog, especially at night, consider getting a dog that can accompany you on a leash. Criminal offenders relate that a dog is one of the most effective crime deterrents.

If you work late hours, arrange to leave at the same time as a co-worker. Try to avoid parking far away from your worksite. Be aware of your surroundings at all times by making eye contact with passersby and glancing occasionally behind you. This type of "body language" will make you less attractive to a prospective mugger. If you sense that you are being followed, change direction or cross the street. If the person persists, you can run to the nearest place where you'll find people.

Don't allow a stranger to follow you to your doorstep. Go to a public place where you can call the police whenever you feel threatened. When fleeing from danger alert others as well as the person posing a threat.

Drivers: Avoid fumbling for your keys; have them in your hand as you approach your car. Always check the back seat for uninvited guests before getting inside. Keep enough gas in the tank so you won't get stranded. Keep all doors locked and windows rolled up most of the way. Stay on well-travelled, well-lighted roads. If you are being followed by another car, drive into an open gas station, stay in your car, and ask the attendant to call the police. Better yet, drive straight to the nearest police station for assistance. Park only in well lighted areas at night. Check for strangers who might be "casing" the area before you exit your car. Honk your horn and drive away if such a person advances toward you.

At Home: Never feel reluctant to call the police if you sense a possibility of an intruder inside. Screen all strangers knocking at your door. More or less, interview them through a peephole while your door is locked. Anyone who refused to present his or her employee I.D. upon request should be reported to the police.

If You Are A Victim: Always be willing to give up your valuables. A purse, wallet or jewellery is not worth fighting for when facing someone wielding a weapon. Carry only as much cash as you need. If confronted, try to stay calm. An assailant may be less likely to attack if you appear controlled and self-confident. Try to mentally note your assailant's appearance without staring.

Go to the phone and call 9-1-1 as soon as possible after. Let the police operator take charge and instruct you. Remember, your quick actions in notifying the police will increase their chance of apprehending the suspect and preventing future victims.

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verwatch@netcom.ca

 

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