'Be careful and aware': York Regional Police offers crime prevention tips during town hall meeting

Yorkregion.com
March 24, 2022

MPs of constituencies across York Region raised concerns about specific crimes affecting their communities at a March 7 crime prevention town hall meeting.

These crimes included break-ins, vehicle-thefts, domestic violence, and distracted driving.

York Regional Police Const. Brian Hinds, a crime prevention officer assigned to the Markham area, discussed various methods for crime prevention and how it "affects everyone."

"Anything that can be sold will be targeted for theft," Hinds said during the virtual town hall meeting.

Here are the crime prevention tips taken away from the virtual town hall meeting:

Personal safety

Hinds said a good practice and strategy to support personal safety is to always be aware of your surroundings.

"Whether in a grocery store, especially in underground parking lots, if you see people who don't look like they belong there hanging out around the elevator, don't put yourself in a dangerous situation. Leave and call the police," Hinds said.

To prevent break-ins, Hinds advises people to implement door, window, and lighting protection around their homes. Things like motion-activated lighting, security cameras, and window security bars are things that can deter thieves from breaking into homes or businesses.

On the YRP's 'Crime Prevention' website page, they offer tips on how to look out for indicators of residential break and enters in your community: Doors to homes that have been left open, or may have been forced open; Individuals or groups of people knocking on doors to check if homeowners are away; Unfamiliar vehicles parked outside neighbours' homes while they are away.

Break-ins

Hinds said he has been aware of many break-ins taking place across Markham and Thornhill at Chinese restaurants. He personally went out to them and did a safety assessment for them. He advises business owners to contact police requesting a safety assessment where tips and strategies can be offered before they become victimized.

Mary Ng, MP for Markham-Thornhill, has fielded many questions from business owners on what extra measures they can take to better protect themselves.

Hinds advised replacing glass with something stronger and thicker, or blocking the windows with metal bars that can serve as deterrents to thieves. Also, businesses are reminded to put away all valuables at the end of the day.

Break-ins are often motivated by finding cash in the registers, so when cash is removed at the end of the night, this can prevent many break-ins, Hinds said.

Domestic violence

"In the case where someone has been victimized, definitely police will come out," said Hinds. He advised people to always evaluate a relationship, and determine whether or not it's good and feels safe. If not, and in a situation where leaving puts you at risk, Hinds advised to speak with police. A restraining order can some times be put in place.

Yellow Brick House -- a place for abused women and children helping them rebuild their lives and empowering them -- has reported an increase in domestic violence cases.

These are the following signs of domestic violence to look out for involving someone you know: Someone who has stopped communicating with you because of a controlling partner; unexplained bruises, cuts or scratches; depression caused by someone's relationship.

Signs that you may be at risk of domestic violence are as follows: Your partner has isolated you from friends, family, and/or personal property, like a cellphone; your partner has threatened you or your family, or is jealous/obsessive over you; you or your partner grew up in a violent environment, or have a history of domestic violence.

Distracted driving

Hinds encourages residents to always report a suspected distracted or impaired driver to police, since this is an action they have to catch in the act.

In the instance where you suspect an impaired driver, take down the licence plate number and contact police.

Be careful and aware.