33 Division Community Bulletin April 2013 – 86 Edition · 33 Division Community Bulletin April 2013 – 86th Edition 33 Division 416 808 3300 50 Upjohn Road Toronto ON M3B 2W1 [email protected]

33 Division Community Bulletin April 2013 – 86th Edition

33 Division 416 808 3300 50 Upjohn Road Toronto ON M3B 2W1 [email protected] 1 “Please feel free to distribute”

TORONTO

P O L I C E SERVICE

50 Upjohn Road 33 DIVISION

Unit Commander: Staff Inspector Tony Riviere 2nd in Command: Inspector Richard Hegedus Investigative Unit: Detective Sergeant Jim Gotell Community Response Unit: Staff Sergeant Shawna Coxon Crime Prevention & Community Relations Officer: Kelly Downie TOTAL STRENGTH Officers: 184 Civilians: 10 Auxiliary Officers: 24 Volunteers: 11

TABLE OF CONTENTS Unit Commander’s Message ............. 2 Community Response Unit ............... 4 Arrest of the Month ........................... 6 Crime Prevention Tips ..................... 7 Traffic Safety Tips ............................ 10 Traffic Campaigns ............................. 11 From the Traffic Sergeant……………12 Community Calendar ........................ 16 Upcoming Events ............................. 16



National Victims of Crime Awareness Week will be held from April 21 to 27, 2013. This year’s theme is: We all have a role. Every crime has a victim. Contrary to popular belief, there is no “victim-less” crime. A victim is commonly defined as a citizen who has had their lives interrupted by crime; they have suffered harm and deserve the support of the community and people around them. The harm experienced can include physical or mental injury, emotional suffering, economic loss or substantial impairment of their fundamental rights, through acts or omissions that are violations of criminal law. The Toronto Police Service considers the needs of victims of crime as a fundamental requirement of our duties. The Police Service Act includes assisting victims of crime as a primary responsibility of a police officer. We work in partnership with the Victim Services Program of Toronto Inc. to ensure that victims are provided immediate assistance. We are committed to treating victims of crime in a compassionate, respectful and empathetic manner, knowing that the impact of crime on victims vary from person to person. We strive to respond to victims of crime in a manner consistent with the spirit of the Victim’s Bill of Rights, which summarizes that the people of Ontario believe that victims of crime, who have suffered harm and whose rights and security have been violated by crime, should be treated with compassion and fairness; and that the justice system should operate in a manner that does not increase the suffering of victims of crime and does not discourage victims of crime from participating in the justice process. Our Service strives to respond to calls for service in a timely manner; we focus on being attentive in our communications with our citizens, providing assistance to overcome language barriers as required. If the victim has a disability, we will contact the Victim Services Program or an appropriate community service to provide assistance, including suitable transportation, and care and shelter, if necessary. We endeavour to keep our victims timely informed with the progress of the investigation, including relevant releases, court appearances and decisions. Where appropriate, we will provide a victim safety assessment and assist in the identification of a suitable personal security plan.

A message from . . . Staff Inspector Tony Riviere



But, we all have a role. You can prevent yourself from being a victim of crime by protecting your vulnerability. That may include displaying an increased awareness of your environment, and avoiding making yourself a potential victim by the conspicuous display of sought after items. Consider the installation of a home security device, and participate in and take advantage of “community eyes” through programs like Neighbourhood Watch. You can also assist by being open and honest in providing us with complete and accurate information, including any changes to the circumstances surrounding your incident. We have a collective responsibility to deter the onset of victimization. Our Service will remain vigilant in our enshrined duties to prevent crime and assist victims of crime. No one chooses to be a victim of crime. Be informed. Be knowledgeable about the services available to victims and share that information with someone else whose life has been touched by crime.…we all have a role.



COMMUNITY RESPONSE UNIT: April 10th is the Anti-Bullying International Day of Pink. People all over the world will be wearing pink to support the shared dream of a world without bullies. For our officers, every day is an opportunity to try to end the pain caused by this behaviour. Constable Paul Frias, along with the support of his Community Response teammates, has worked tirelessly to put an end to bullying. This is a deeply personal issue for him and his passion is infectious. Over the past school year, Officer Paul developed and provided more than a dozen anti-bullying lectures at schools throughout 33 Division. He is one of the funniest people you will ever meet. As such, his presentation is a mix of humour, hard hitting-facts, and deeply personal experiences. The statistics show that every time Officer Paul gives his lecture, there are several youth in the room who are victims of bullying. Most suffer in silence, feeling they have no one to turn to. Knowing this, Constable Frias measures his success by the young people who come forward at the end of his presentation. Every time Officer Paul has given his presentation, youth have come forward to tell him they have been bullied. These youth have been put in touch with teachers, counselors, parents and/or investigators to give them support. Since last fall, dozens of young people have disclosed deeply personal victimization. All of this has been possible because of Officer Paul, and the support of his Sergeant and team. We have received numerous letters of appreciation for their anti-bullying work. Amanda Todd’s tragic death in British Columbia last year highlighted how prevalent and devastating bullying is for youth in Canada. It is no less so in 33 Division. I hope you will spend some time talking to youth in your life about this important issue. Perhaps we’ll see you out there in your favourite pink ensemble on April 10th. Let’s keep working together toward a world without bullying…



Constable Paul Frias, Sergeant Jim Fox, Constable Victor Hristov, and Constable Walter Pacheco with youth from Don Mills Middle school.

Shawna Coxon Staff Sergeant 7551 Toronto Police Service 33 Division, Community Response Unit (416) 808-3392 [email protected] Twitter: @ShawnaCoxon Facebook: Shawna Coxon



AARRRREESSTT OOFF TTHHEE MMOONNTTHH::

A resident of the Bayview Avenue and Finch Avenue East heard a car alarm going off in the middle

of the night and then saw a person rummaging through a car parked in their neighbourhood. The

neighbour noted the description of the person and then called police to report the crime

When the police arrived they searched the neighbourhood and were able to locate and

apprehend the person who was charged with theft from the vehicle.

Cars being broken into continue to be a crime that affects many members of our community

in 33 Division and police want the public to be aware of suspicious people in their neighbourhoods.

Most cars are broken into during the night and community members are reminded to remain vigilant

about people who are in their neighbourhoods and acting suspicious and to call police if they see

someone such as this.

The man who was arrested was brought to 33 Division where he was investigated and

charged with the following:

Theft Under $5000.

Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

Fail to Comply with Probation.

Arresting Officers: PC Vijay Sidhu, PC Aaron Sit



TAKE THE SECURITY SELF-ASSESSMENT SURVEY:

EXTERIOR YES NO N/A Are shrubs cut below the window level? Are limbs of trees cut above the window level? Is your house number clearly visible from the street Do you have a motion detector light? Is the front door well lit? Is the back door well lit? Are bicycles, ladders and other yard equipment stored inside?

Have you engraved your valuables with a special marking?

Spiny, thorny or otherwise hostile vegetation around low level windows?

DOORS YES NO N/A Does your door have a 180 degree peep hole? Are all locks that can be opened from the inside at least 40 inches from windows and side lights?

Are all exterior entrance doors solid core or steel? Are all exterior doors equipped with dead-bolt locks, with at least a 1” throw into the strike plate?

If the hinge pins are outside, are they removable? Does the door securely fit the door jam? If you have sliding doors, do you have anti-lift devices?

Is your home potentially attracting a burglar? Does your home have enough security to frustrate a would-be thief and increase their chances of being caught? The Home Security Self-Assessment survey was designed to give you an indication of how secure your home actually is. Complete the security evaluation and learn how a little time, effort and money can greatly improve your peace of mind around the house.



DOORS YES NO N/A

If you have a sliding door, do you have either a hockey stick/broom handle in the bottom track or a security bar to prevent the door from opening?

Have door locks been re-keyed since you have moved in?

Is the strike plate securely fastened to the door frame using 3” screws?

WINDOWS YES NO N/A Have double-hung windows been pinned? Are sliding windows equipped with security locks? Can windows left open for ventilation be secured in position?

Do basement windows have auxiliary locks? Do curtains or drapes fully cover windows? Are window air conditioners secured from inside?

GARAGE YES NO N/A Does the overhead close tightly? Do you keep the overhead door closed and locked? Does the overhead door have a high quality track lock?

Is the hasp of the padlock good quality on folding doors, installed without the screw heads exposed?

Do you remove vehicle keys when the vehicle is in the garage?

If you have a remote garage door opener, do you take it into the house with you when leaving your vehicle?

VACATIONS YES NO N/A Do you stop mail/paper deliveries? Is your grass/snow being cared for in your absence? Do you use timers on interior/exterior lights? Do you arrange for someone to check your home while you are away?

Do you advise close friends and family of your travel plans?

ADDITIONAL CRIME CHECKS YES NO N/A Do you have a safety deposit box? Do you keep a list of valuable property, credit cards and serial numbers in a safe place?

Do you have a home security system? Do you avoid displaying valuables to strangers?



ADDITIONAL CRIME CHECKS YES NO N/A Do you know the emergency and non-emergency telephone numbers for your local police?

Do you know your neighbours across the street and on all three sides of you?

To see how you did on the Home Security Self-Assessment, please add up the number of “YES” answers, less the number of “N/A” answers, and divide by 45. 100% ...................... Excellent 90 +% ..................... You’re almost there 80+% ...................... You have a little work left to do 70+% ...................... Your home would benefit from further security improvements 60% ........................ It’s time to address your security needs 50% ........................ Improve your security – don’t delay 0 – 50% .................. Your home is vulnerable – TAKE ACTION!!! Your results reflect the level of security your home has in relation to the most common security weaknesses. Please review your security as all of the above changes to your home can, in most cases, be done at a reasonable cost. The results are substantial for the amount of money invested in your home.

For further information, please contact 33 Division’s Crime Prevention Officer, P.C. Kelly Downie at [email protected] or at 416-808-3395.

Kelly Downie

Crime Prevention Officer 33 Division



EXITING PRIVATE ROADS AND DRIVEWAYS

Section 139(1) of the Highway Traffic Act reads as follows: “Every driver or street car operator entering a highway from a private road or driveway shall yield the right of way to all traffic approaching on the highway so closely that to enter would constitute an immediate hazard.”

Private roads and driveways come in a variety of configurations. Some are equipped with automatic traffic signals, some have stop signs and others have no obvious controls. Regardless of the layout, the Highway Traffic Act rules always apply when you attempting to exit a private road or driveway.

If the exit is controlled by a traffic signal light or stop sign, there will usually be a white stop line painted on the ground for you to stop behind. If there is no line, you must stop before crossing any sidewalk that is positioned between you and the roadway. If there is no sidewalk, your vehicle must stop before crossing beyond the curb line of the highway you are going to cross or enter.

If no traffic controls exist, you may enter the roadway without stopping if it is safe to do so, but you are still obligated to – as section 139(1) above states – “…yield the right of way to all traffic…”

The dictionary definition of ‘traffic’ includes both vehicles and pedestrians. How many times have you watched a car or truck exiting a driveway and stop over the sidewalk, forcing the pedestrian to walk around the front or the rear of the vehicle? It happens thousands of times every day and each incident is worthy of a $110 ticket. Once you have stopped before crossing over the sidewalk, do not move forward until you are confident that you can enter the roadway promptly to avoid creating an obstacle or a hazard for the pedestrians.

Everyone is in such a hurry these days, no one really bothers to take the extra seconds to ensure that their actions will not impede or jeopardize the safety of others. It has become so commonplace for drivers to roll out of a private road or driveway without properly stopping and yielding that the police respond to these types of collisions throughout the city many times every day. This is a significant problem in Toronto. Now ask yourself this:

Traffic safety: Are you the problem or the solution?

Howard Rosenberg Traffic Complaints

If you have a traffic-related question, send an email to me at [email protected] and I will gladly send you the answer. It may even appear in a future edition of the Bulletin.



TRAFFIC CAMPAIGNS:

2013 DIVISIONAL INITIATIVES JANUARY 1ST TO DECEMBER 31ST - OPERATION C.P.R. (COLLISION PREVENTION AND REDUCTION) TOP 5 COLLSION INTERSECTIONS AS DETERMINED BY 2012 STATS JANUARY 1ST TO MARCH 31ST – OPERATION SAFE WINTER DRIVING FOCUS ON SMART AND DEFENSIVE DRIVING DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER THROUGH EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT APRIL 1ST TO JUNE 30TH – OPERATION HANDS ON DRIVE HANDS FREE TALK TARGETTING DISTRACTED DRIVING (I.E. PHONES, IPAD, OTHER DEVICES OR DISTRACTIONS) JULY 1ST TO SEPT 30TH - OPERATION WALK SAFE FOCUS ON PEDESTRIAN ON ROAD SAFETY WHEN CROSSING AND INTERACTING WITH VEHICULAR TRAFFIC THROUGH EDUCATION/ENFORCEMENT. EMPHASIS WILL BE ON SENIORS. Sgt Steve Sattz (4875) Training, Planning and Traffic Co-ordinator 416-808-3394



From the Traffic Sergeant!

Warmer weather is fast approaching and with it comes the predictable increase in the numbers of road users, be they be on two or four wheels, or two or four legs. Unfortunately this also brings an increase in the numbers of collisions. Each year the Toronto Police Service conducts various enforcement campaigns and programs – some in conjunction with the province – to identify and bring attention to some dangerous and problematic activities that drivers, cyclists and pedestrians do on a daily basis. In 33 Division we have further pinpointed a few areas that need attention in our own neighbourhoods. On Sunday, March 31, 2013, 33 Division will wrap up its first 2013 Traffic Campaign known as “OPERATION WINTER SAFE”. This campaign started January 1, 2013. The main objective of this initiative was for our officers to identify driving offences and issues that affect the safety of all road users. Some of these issues would include drivers who failed to clear snow properly off their vehicles, driving irresponsibly to the current road conditions, and so on. This campaign was a success and certainly enhanced public safety within the division. Our next divisional traffic campaign “OPERATION HANDS ON – DRIVE HANDS FREE TALK” will commence on Monday, April 1, 2013 and conclude on Sunday, June 30, 2013. The goal of this campaign is to bring about an awareness of the dangers of distracted driving through education and enforcement. This 3 month initiative will highlight all dangerous activities associated with drivers who TALK, TEXT, TYPE, DIAL OR E-MAIL using hand-held communication and entertainment devices. The Service is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone using the roads in and around the City. Sgt. Steve Sattz (4875) Training, Planning & Traffic Co-ordinator: 416-808-3394



COMMUNITY CALENDAR: If you would like a Toronto Police Service representative from 33 Division to attend your community event, please send your request to Staff Sergeant Shawna Coxon at [email protected] or call 416-808-3392.

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

1 Easter Monday

2 1800 hrs ETF and Mounted Unit tours for 33 Div. Volunteers and Auxiliary

3 4 5 6

7

8 9 10 11 12 13 1300 hrs – Cops for Cancer at Yorkdale Shopping Centre

14 15 16 17 18 19

20

21 22 1800 hrs – Volunteer Appreciation Night Earth Day

23 24 25 TPSB Meeting

26 27

28

29 30 1900 hrs - 33 Div. CPLC meeting at HQ, Room TBA

Upcoming Events – Safety Expo – May 15th

Documents

33 Division Community Bulletin April 2013 – 86 Edition · 33 Division Community Bulletin April 2013 – 86th Edition 33 Division 416 808 3300 50 Upjohn Road Toronto ON M3B 2W1 [email protected]