Police chiefs kick off crime prevention program By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF While the police may solve crimes, crime prevention is everyone's business. This was the message delivered at the Halton Regional Police Service Headquarters on Bronte Road Tuesday, at the launch of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) 2013 Crime Prevention Campaign. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about personal responsibility when it comes to preventing crime, which police said is a far better strategy than reacting to crime as it happens. "When it comes to crime prevention, taking simple precautions against becoming a victim of crime is both smart and effective and that is our message to Ontarians today during this year's campaign titled `Crime Prevention... It starts with you,'" said Halton Police Deputy Chief and Chair of the OACP Crime Prevention Committee Andrew Fletcher. "Police services across Ontario will take this very simple message out into our communities speaking with seniors, young families, students, business owners, drivers and just about anyone and everyone who is willing to listen because we need everyone to understand we all have a role to play when it comes to crime prevention and community safety." The campaign focuses on a broad range of crimes that impact citizens across the province, such as: online fraud, identification theft and In many of these cases, the booklet says the owner by simply locking their vehicle, parking in lighted areas, and storing valuables somewhere other than in the car can thwart the suspect. The OACP campaign is put on in partnership with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, Interac Association, Symantec Canada, Title PLUS/LAWPRO, the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA), Via Rail Canada, Humber College, the Canadian Security Association (CANASA), Roy Speed and Ross Ltd., Accident Support Services International Ltd., and Canpar. Representatives from many of these organizations, including Mark Sullivan of Interac Association, spoke during the presentation. "Communities and businesses working together make it much harder for organized criminals to operate here in Canada. Interac is committed to keeping its world class debit system the safest in the world," said Sullivan. "Security is key to the Interac band, which is why we are extremely pleased to collaborate with law enforcement to promote crime prevention and remind individuals of the simple steps they can take to keep their property safe." The OACP Crime Prevention Campaign kickoff usually takes place in Toronto, but was held in Halton this year as Halton Police Chief Stephen Tanner is currently president of the organization. The "Crime Prevention... It starts with you" booklet can also be viewed at www.oacp.ca. 3 · Thursday, February 21, 2013 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com DAVID LEA / OAKVILLE BEAVER/@halton_photog SAFETY FIRST: Halton Regional Police Service Deputy Chief Andrew Fletcher speaks during the launch of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police in Oakville Tuesday. other cyber crimes, auto theft, break-andenters. Information on preventing these crimes is provided in a new booklet being made available to the public through local police. "We know that these types of crimes can victimize anyone, anywhere and the booklet provides tips and information that can prevent them from being a victim," said Fletcher. "Although we continue to see significant reductions in crime rates across the province, this encouraging trend provides reinforcement that we need to continue to work closely with our many community partners to prevent and reduce crime." In the area of auto theft, the booklet states half of all stolen vehicles are used to commit another crime. In the other half of stolen car cases, professional thieves involved in organized crime rings steal the vehicle. HUGE SAVINGS up to EVERYTHING MUST GO! FINAL CLOSING DAY SAT.FEB,23,2013! Donate. Every timeYou you donate to Goodwill, Works. you Someone help someone find a job. Here's how... 1 You donate to Goodwill. 80 % off 2 3 The revenues help fund job training and other services to prepare people for job success. Goodwill sells your donations in our stores. 1 LAST DAY! 4 People find good jobs. 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