Crime Prevention Tips
Operation Provident
Millions of dollars worth of business equipment is stolen from businesses and other organizations annually. Operation Provident will assist in the recovery of property and act as a deterrent against theft.
A national numbering system has been established. A specific number will be assigned to your business/organization through the crime prevention branch of the Truro Police Service. Your valuables can then be marked with this number, uniquely identifying them in the event of theft.
This numbering system will assist any police officer across Canada to quickly determine the ownership of recovered property. For deterrent purposes, the Provident number should be readily visible, without marring the appearance of the item. A second hidden number can be applied if required.
Be sure to keep a record of items which have been marked. Note the location of the number on each item. Keep your record in a safe place.
Hold up Prevention
Do:
- Have a couple of bills in the cash register which you retain permanently and keep a record of their serial numbers. In case your property is recovered from a robbery, this is a great help for identification.
- Have a radio or TV playing in the back room, suggesting someone else is present.
- Keep premises well lighted.
- Place alarm switches at more than one location; all employees should know where they are. Check them periodically to be sure that they are working.
- Be careful answering questions from strangers with regards to hours of operation, alarm systems and number of employees.
- Notify police if suspicious persons hang around your business. Be especially alert at opening and closing times.
Don't:
- Keep large amounts of cash in the register or store cash under the counter in a box. Extra money should be placed in a locked safe or deposited in a bank.
- Clutter windows with signs or displays that block viewing from a street.
- Set off a hold-up alarm for forgery or petty crime. The alarm is intended specifically for emergency conditions.
Employees in charge of banking:
- When carrying large amounts of cash travel back and forth to the bank with a companion, never alone.
- Vary the route, and don't always go at a scheduled time.
- Never approach a night depository while anyone else is there. If a suspicious person remains, call the police.
Graffiti Crime
Graffiti is defined as an act of vandalism, ie. writing, drawing or symbols, applied to any surface without the consent of the property owner. Graffiti vandals use a variety of materials such as spray paint, and permanent markers.
Where does graffiti crime occur?
- Graffiti crime can occur anywhere but the most common targets include :
- private and public buildings
- street signs
- mail boxes
- schools
- bridges
- alley ways
- train box cars
- playground equipment
- picnic tables, and litter cans
How does graffiti affect our community?
- decrease in property values may occur
- increase in the perception of crime in the area leading to local economy decline as consumers stay away
- a significant burden is placed on the Town of Truro maintenance budget for building and property repair, clean-up, and restoration
What can the public do to help?
- when witnessing suspicious behavior or graffiti crime, call Police immediately
- provide Police with suspect descriptions, vehicle, and direction of travel
- report all graffiti crime by calling Truro Police Service 895- 5351
- once this is reported to the Police, remove graffiti as quickly as possible
The prompt removal of graffiti is the best way to discourage further acts of vandalism.
What else can deter graffiti crime?
- increase lighting and visibility in vulnerable areas
- restrict access to desirable graffiti targets ie. alleyways, fire escapes etc.
- install video surveillance equipment
- be vigilant and report suspicious activity in your area
Bullying
Bullying is when someone takes advantage of his or her power in order to hurt someone else.
Bullying consists of:
- teasing
- pushing
- tripping
- throwing objects
- name calling
- threatening
- saying or writing mean things
There are several ways that a child can protect himself or herself against the torment of a bully. It is important to explain these options to a child. Your child can:
- Ignore the bully.
- Tell the bully to stop.
- Walk away from the bully.
- Tell an adult (a parent, teacher, counselor, etc.).
- Stay with a group of friends.
- Sign up for a self-defense course.
- Most importantly, walk tall, be proud, and act confident! (Feeling good about yourself lowers your chances of being bullied).
It is common for a child who has become a victim of bullying to feel unhappy, lonely, and afraid. Explain to your child that these feelings are normal and that bullying is not their fault.
When it comes to a parent/child relationship, communication is the key! Pay attention to your child's behavior and to signs of a possibly bully or a child who is being bullied. Changes in a child's behavior may suggest that he or she is being bullied. These changes may include:
- Appearing frightened of walking to or from school or is unwilling to attend school.
- Begging to be driven to school or changes the route in which he or she walks to school.
- Beginning to do poorly in school
- Coming home regularly with destroyed or missing belongings.
- Having unexplained cuts or bruises.
- Having a decreased appetite.
- Having nightmares.
- Becoming shy, withdrawn, distressed or suicidal.
Tips for parents to remember:
- Take bullying seriously!
- Always listen and be supportive
- Reassure your child that bullying is not their fault
- Discuss with your child what actions can be taken to solve the problem
- Promise to consult your child before taking any action
- Speak to the school administration about your problem
- Suggest that the school contact the bully's parents
- Provide opportunities for your child to make new friends
- Encourage confidence in your child! Tell your child to celebrate their differences and to always be proud of who they are.
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