The Crime Prevention Association of Toronto received a call today (May 3rd 2013) from a resident of the Midland and Lawrence area who reported that at approx. 6:00 pm yesterday evening (May 2nd 2013) two women claiming to represent Community Watch or Neighbourhood Watch came to a condo-owners door and claimed to be interested in improving things around here.
When the owner, a lady, said she was busy cooking dinner the women tried to convince her to let them in and they would talk to her and watch her cook. The woman told them she expected her husband and son shortly and needed to get things done. It made her uncomfortable enough to call the president of the condo group who called us to ask if we had anyone doing door to door work for us.
At no time would the Crime Prevention Association of Toronto (CPAT) ask anyone to go door-to-door in this way. Our meetings are held in party-rooms etc with the permission and participation of management, property owners and superintendents.
Neighbourhood Watch does not send people door-to-door in this manner. We distribute flyers inviting people to meetings and encourage those who already know one-another to tell each other about our activities and support their community.
We encourage everyone who lives in an apartment building or condo to be vigilant when someone is coming in behind them. Do not let people in to your building. If you have to make an excuse to not open the door or move to the side do so. Do not ever get in an elevator with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable. Call security if you see someone suspicious in your building or someone loitering in the lobby, waiting for someone to open the door.
It is better to be safe than sorry. It might not be you who is robbed or injured. It might be one of your neighbours. If we are coming to your area or buildings to promote the activation or re-activation of Neighbourhood Watch in your community, we will distribute flyers ahead of time and meet with your residents association or tenants group or management beforehand.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in letting our communities know that we are here to help remove opportunities for fraud or crime, not to encourage unsafe practices.
