Do You Know This Man?

Toronto Police are asking for help identifying a man they suspect is involved in break ins that happened in our area.
They've released a composite sketch.
Have you seen him?
Vanessa

Thieves At Work...

So, last night, I was comfy on my couch, in front of a fire and finishing up a novel, when the phone rang. It was my tenant and friend on his mobile, right out front the house, as it turns out. He had arrived home to discover a stranger in our alleyway about to make off with our large aluminum ladder and some scrap downspout.

Good timing. He and DH chased the intruder away; the thief dropped everything and hopped over our back fence.

No big deal, in terms of thievery. Big deal in terms of peace of mind.
I realize that thieves always are at work in our fair area. But we do seem to have rashes of thefts, as well, so I'm telling you so that you can keep your eyes peeled and be alert and aware.
I also found this handy online police reporting site for smaller thefts and incidents.

Yours in vigilance,
Vanessa

SVRA Police Meeting Update

Well, despite the good news that a thief had been caught red handed breaking into a home on Hallowe'en morning, break ins and vandalism still are occurring in our area.
This is from the Seaton Village Residents' Association website:
"While there has been an arrest made in conjunction with 33 B&Es in the neighbourhood, homes continue to be burglarized and individuals have been observed walking the neighbourhood checking door handles of area cars – throughout the day! Night time sees windows of cars being smashed, especially in back laneways."

The SVRA hosted a police officer at a meeting last week and a neighbour who attended passed on the information he provided in order to share it far and wide:
"- be aware - if you see someone who looks suspicious, or someone lurking in the alleys, trying to open car doors, walking between or behind houses, call the police. If someone is in your alley at the same time every day, doing something you don't like the look of, report it with info about times they're there.
- if you see someone who is unfamiliar, say hello to them - burglars are less likely to steal if they know they've been seen.
- if you have outdoor lights, leave them on at night.
- don't leave anything of any value in your car.
- adults only - try using the alleys as your main routes instead of the street. This is not suggested for kids - some 11 year old kids were approached in an alley by 2 men who tried to sell them drugs, and were aggressive enough that the kids felt they had to run away.
- keep your property bordering the laneway well maintained - if someone dumps garbage, report it to the Illegal Dumping # - 416-392-0873, or clean it up yourself. If someone sprays graffiti on your garage door, clean it off. This kind of awareness and care can deter crime.
- install motion sensor lights around your parking area.
Here are the numbers to call:
If you see a crime occurring, CALL 911. See blurb from the police below for important things to keep in mind.
If you have been the victim of a theft, destruction of property or vandalism, CALL THE POLICE AND FILE A REPORT. The police need to know what is happening in the neighbourhood in order to police it properly. The number to report a crime is 416-808-2222.
If you see someone or something fishy, CALL THE POLICE. The officer was emphatic about this - they need our help - they can't be everywhere at once. The number to call is 416-808-1500.
We all need to keep our eyes open to make sure this neighbourhood stays safe. There are only so many police in the city. Our involvement can go a long way to protect ourselves and our neighbours.

I urge all of you to join the Seaton Village Residence Association to receive information about your neighbourhood.
This is a blurb sent out by the police at 14 Division that has some good info to keep in mind:
Remember, all crimes should be reported to the police immediately, even if it is only an attempt. Hesitate only long enough to ensure your safety.
Crime cannot be controlled or prevented if it is not reported. By reporting crimes and suspicious activities you can protect yourself and others. Confrontation with suspicious people or suspected criminals is not recommended. Remember your safety is paramount. If a crime has occurred, do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected it for evidence.
- Become the best witness possible by noticing details about the suspect, mannerism, age, height, weight and appearance, compare them to yourself or people you know
- Memorize tattoos, scars or prominent features
- Note clothing worn but keep in mind that outer clothing can be changed
- Vehicle licence number, make, model, colour and number of doors
- Call police immediately! Hesitate long enough to ensure your own safety
To obtain brochures or further information, please contact P.C. Gord Reid, 14 Crime Prevention at 416-808-1529 or email to: gordon.reid@torontopolice.on.ca."
Stay alert!
Vanessa

Police Alerting Area Residents To Sexual Assault

This is from a press release:
"Toronto Police Service is alerting the public to a sexual assault.
It is reported that:
- on Saturday, August 29, 2009, at 4 a.m., a 25-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in the Bloor Street/Bathurst Street area
- a man, naked from the waist down, except for footwear, hid behind bushes in a residential neighbourhood
- the man grabbed the woman from behind and sexually assaulted her.
The suspect is described as white, 45-55, 5’7"-5’9", heavy build, with a round face. He was last seen wearing a dark baseball cap, a dark, nylon shell jacket and a light-coloured shirt, hanging below the jacket. The suspect’s shoes were described as light-coloured sneakers. The suspect was carrying a pair of khaki shorts.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637)."

Police Want Help ID'ing Deceased Man

There was a death in our neighbourhood recently and 14 Division police are asking residents for help to identify the man who passed away. Here's the media release:
"The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance identifying a man. On Saturday, July 11, 2009, police received a radio call for a man on the corner of Bloor Street West/Major Street. The man was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The deceased had no identification, and investigators have made several attempts to identify him.
He is described as white, 50−65, 5'6"−5'8", 150−165 lbs., with short graying hair. He was wearing a white T−shirt, grey shorts, brown sandals and dark sunglasses. He wore dentures, and was in possession of “Native Full Flavor” cigarettes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416−808−1400, Crime Stoppers
anonymously at 416−222−TIPS."

Page two of the .pdf media release has a composite picture of the man.
Vanessa