2022 Crime Prevention Week
As Crime Prevention Week kicks off, we would like to remind Calgarians that with warm weather comes additional opportunities for criminals to take advantage of unsuspecting victims. Crime Prevention Week is a province-wide initiative aimed to create education and awareness of how people can remain vigilant during the summer months to help prevent themselves from becoming a victim of theft.
This year, our focus will be on encouraging Calgarians to register their bikes with Bike Index, incorporating the 9 p.m. Routine, and offering more tips and safe zones for Buy and Sell transactions.
“We will be sending out regular messages and tips on these initiatives, as well as other personal safety, scam, and fraud information,” says Sgt. Nick Wilsher of the Calgary Police Service Crime Prevention Team. “We want to ensure Calgarians have a safe and enjoyable spring and summer enjoying all that their homes, neighborhoods, and city have to offer.”
The Crime Prevention Team also has a new email address that the public can directly reach the police officers to ask for advice, or answers to questions about crime prevention. You can email them at CPSCrimePrevention@calgarypolice.ca
“We would much rather a member of the community reaches out with a question on a suspected fraud or scam instead of becoming a victim. Being able to directly contact one of our officers is yet another way we can help prevent crime.”
Crime Prevention Safety tips
• Protect your property by locking up bikes, outdoor gear, sports and recreation equipment, and children’s toys when not in use.
- Store belongings in a garage or shed when possible
- Secure goods in the backyard and on balconies
- Ensure storage lockers in underground parkades are secure
• Register your bike with Bike Index, a free online program to aid in returning stolen bikes to their rightful owners.
• If you are enjoying personal outdoor areas, such as backyards and gardens, lock up your house, garage, shed, and vehicle while unattended.
• Never leave valuables in your car, even when locked.
• Every night follow the 9 p.m. Routine. Before you head to bed, check your house to ensure windows, doors, garages, sheds and vehicles are locked.
• If you leave for an extended period, ensure your home is secure.
- Leave indoor and outdoor lights on a timer
- Have a neighbour collect mail and packages
- Arrange for a neighbour take care of your yard
• Watch out for one another. Be vigilant in your neighbourhood, if you see something suspicious, say something.
• When making purchases and sales from online classified sites, do transactions in a public place such as our District Office parking lots.
• If possible, take a friend or family member with you.
• Don’t give your personal or banking information to strangers. Don’t use wire money services and consider using cash or a trusted e-transfer service.
We encourage anyone who has been a victim of theft to report the incident to police so that evidence can be gathered and investigated in a timely manner.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips