Bloor West Village Residents Association

An update from 11 Division:

Pick-Pockets in Bloor West Village

On Monday the 2nd of April 2007 11 Division received a report of a pair of pick-pocket thieves working in Bloor West Village.

This community alert is being issued as a timely reminder to subscribers to be ever vigilant when out in public. Whether you are out shopping, dining or just out for a walk always be aware of the location of your purse or wallet. Please also be aware of your surroundings and of strangers who enter your personal space.

When these thefts occur the victim is frequently either bumped or distracted in some other way. Their purse is then stolen or their wallet is removed “pickpocket” style from their purse or shopping bag. The victim is often not immediately aware of the theft.

Another method used by criminals in this type of theft is for the would be thief to follow a shopper in a grocery stores. The thief waits until the intended victim is distracted while shopping and then removes their unattended purse from the shopping cart.

Please remember never to leave your purse, wallet or other valuables unattended. Do not place your purse over the back of your chair. Do not carry large sums of money with you. Do not carry credit cards with you that you do not intend to use at that time. Do not carry important pieces of identification with you if you do not need to. Do not keep your personal identification number (PIN) in the same purse or wallet with your debit card.

Please be aware of your surroundings and those people around you at all times. Immediately report any suspicious events to the police, store staff or security. If your wallet or purse is stolen immediately cancel all credit and debit cards and report the theft to the police. If your house keys are also in the stolen purse the locks at your home should be changed.

Please share the contents of this alert with family members, friends and patrons of your businesses to help them reduce their chances of becoming victims of crime.

If you have any other her personal security questions please contact the 11 Division Crime Prevention Office at 416-808-1108. Read more »

A MESSAGE FROM Brody Smollet, UNIT COMMANDER OF 11 DIVISION

Summer is just about over and school is once again in full swing. You may be aware that the Toronto Police Service is currently operating a Back to School campaign designed to remind everyone of the need to be aware of traffic safety issues around our schools. You should be noticing an increased police presence in school zones and in those areas where youth congregate during and after school.

In addition to traffic safety and traffic enforcement activities, officers in both uniform and plainclothes capacities have been assigned to target locations such as the subway system, parks and known local hangouts to prevent inappropriate or criminal behaviour.

I want to remind our community that in November this year we will be having a town hall meeting that everyone is welcome to attend. As in previous years this meeting is designed to listen to the concerns that people have about their safety and quality of life in 11 Division. When you read this bulletin I would ask that you let your neighbours know about this meeting and encourage them to attend and bring discuss their issues.

The meeting will take place on November 21, 2006, and the location will be finalized and announced next month.

Read more »