The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

8 Independent & Free Press,Thursday, November 24, 2011 The best in classical vocal performances presented in beautiful venues. 2011 / 2012 Season Residents not getting theft message: Police By LISA TALLYN Staff Writer Halton Police took a little different approach recently to get the message out to some Georgetown residents about thefts from vehicles in their neighbourhood. About 900 letters from Halton Police Superintendent Chris Perkins were hand-delivered to residents in Georgetown South letting them know that their neighbourhood had recently been targeted in a significant number of thefts (18 in a week) from vehicles, "largely in part because residents are providing opportunities for the criminals to help themselves." Along with the letters, police used the MADD illuminated mobile sign to flash the message to the community passing by at Argyll Rd. and Miller Dr. "Warning: Car Entries Rampant Here." They told residents in the letter to avoid becoming a victim they should: · Always lock your vehicle. · Don't leave items of value in your vehicle such as electronics, wallets, purses, cash, ID, when it's unattended. · Garage doors allow perpetrators access to your home-- keep interior doors to the house locked and garage openers hidden or not in the car. · Pay attention to loiterers, strangers in the area or unusual activity, particularly during the hours of 11 p.m to 4 a.m. No call to police is unimportant. Residents were urged to call police at 905-878-5511 if they see any suspicious activity or had their vehicle entered. "We are trying to diversify our approach," said Community Support Officer Maureen Andrew. "People are not getting the message." "It's (theft from auto incidents) usually related to other criminal activity. This is just the beginning of it," said Andrew. "If we remove the victim of this equation, there's no crime." Some residents were very supportive of the police effort, but that wasn't the case for everyone. Andrew said response from the public they heard from to the letters and sign were about 75 per cent in favour, and 25 per cent opposed. One woman called to complain about the sign, saying it was distracting, and a man called suggesting police were getting people all worked up for no reason. Andrew said, however, even the complaints can't be viewed as negative because at least people saw the sign, and got the message. Police have used letters and signage in other areas in town in the past. Andrew said Glen Williams is another area that has been recently targeted for thefts from vehicles. Messiah under the direction of Ron Greidanus Handel's timeless oratorio will be offered four times this autumn, complete with orchestra, led from the harpsichord by Ron Greidanus. Handel's Saturday, December 3, 2011, 8 pm Old Town Hall, Willow and Bower Streets, Acton $30, Students $10 Tickets may be purchased at two locations in Georgetown: Foodstuffs, 89 Main Street South, 905 877-6569 Pat's Prime Cuts & Deli, 333 Mountainview Road South #10, 905 873-0352 The Holland Shop, 71 Mill St. E., Acton, 519 853-0950 Or on our website www.georgetownbachchorale.com