Crime Prevention Week: November 4 - 10, 2012

"Engaged Communities Prevent Crime"

ORILLIA, ON, Nov. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Breaking and entering, theft from and theft of vehicles and armed robbery are ongoing crimes which directly impact victims and place a strain on valuable police resources. These types of crime are not new, and are very often preventable through community engagement; empowering communities to play an active role in crime reduction initiatives.

Strategic partnerships working diligently towards a community - based shared responsibility may also prevent crime and strengthen community relationships in support of a community's greatest natural resource - its youth.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) recognizes community engagement is a key component of crime prevention and that strong community partnerships are an essential element of an effective crime reduction strategy.

"Community safety is everyone's responsibility and crime prevention is everyone's business, OPP Inspector Leslie Craig said today, as Crime Prevention Week in Ontario commenced.

"Police need to work together with our communities to find viable solutions as there is no one solution. Partnerships, information sharing and collaboration are the keys to success as crime prevention through community engagement is working."

By educating communities and being proactive in the reduction of crime, the OPP remains dedicated to eliminating the opportunity for crime in support of the OPP's vision of Safe Communities - A Secure Ontario.

For more information on Crime Prevention Week activities in your community, please contact your local OPP Detachment.

SOURCE: Ontario Provincial Police

Inspector Leslie Craig
Manager, Crime Prevention Section
Phone: [phone]

More information on crime prevention may be found on-line at: www.opp.ca