Following a rash of break-ins and thefts in Oakville, Crime Stoppers of Halton has teamed up with Halton police to launch a new community program.
The ‘Community Watch‘ pilot program will be concentrated in the southeast (Ward 3 division) of the city.
With many homeowners having expressed growing concerns about increased crime in the area Crime Stoppers and police recognized the need to involve the public.
Oakville has seen an increase in incidents of auto theft, home and business break-ins and vandalism.
According to police and Crime Stoppers city residents are experiencing an “increase in an overall sense of diminishing safety.”
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Crime Stoppers is inviting the public to sign up for the newsletter or register as a volunteer.
Various initiatives are planned for the launch over the coming months, including free community watch signage for houses and streets, seminars on safety and crime prevention, free home safety inspections and discounts through local security businesses.
Crime Stoppers of Halton has been running for over 35 years. Its team includes data analysts, a detective constable liaison and over 100 volunteers, including co-op students.
Via its anonymous tip line at 1-800-222-TIPS residents who provide information leading to a suspect’s arrest are eligible to receive up to $2,000.