See It, Say It, Stop It.
Torontonians are being reminded of the power they have to report and prevent crime in their neighbourhoods with a Toronto Crime Stoppers signage pilot project.
Toronto Police has collaborated with the City of Toronto to launch a Community Signage Pilot Program designed to enhance public safety.
“The objective of this initiative is to expand situational awareness within the community on how to report suspicious activity and incidents of criminality that affect our neighbourhoods,” Crime Stoppers Chair Sean Sportun said at the launch on September 1, at 2245 Islington Ave. “The signage will provide a constant reminder for citizens that they have a conduit to report criminality anonymously through Crime Stoppers while also sending a message to those breaking the law, that the community is taking notice.”
Chief James Ramer reiterated that community safety is a shared responsibility.
“To have a truly safe and livable city, we must work together to address issues of crime and public safety,” he said. “In fact, most major crimes are solved with the help of information provided by the public.”
Toronto Crime Stoppers process thousands of anonymous tips daily that help investigators make arrests, lay charges and seize firearms, stolen property and illicit drugs.
“We are confident this pilot project will help with that by reminding concerned citizens that if they see something, say something and to play a role in preventing crime in our city,” noted Ramer.
The Chief thanked the Toronto Police Services Board and the City of Toronto for collaborating on the project.
Superintendent LeeAnn Papizewski, the Community Partnerships & Engagement Unit Commander, said public safety is paramount to ensure that community members feel safe within their neighbourhoods.
“Projects such as this which help support community safety and align with our crime prevention strategy are very exciting,” she said. “Raising awareness and encouraging the public to report crime within our neighbourhoods through these visual road signs will not only serve as a reminder to report crime, but should also serve as a deterrent to those thinking about committing a crime, knowing that the community will be stepping up and reporting it. “Crime prevention is effective on all levels. Even small deterrents work. However, if we are to see large-scale results, everyone needs to participate. Educating the public about some of the very simple things that can be done to prevent a crime of opportunity from even happening is key and that is what my unit does.”
As part of the pilot project, over 60 signs will be installed around the city.
