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Police urge public to be preventative

April 24, 2014   ·   0 Comments

Numerous thefts and two break & enters (B&E’s) in 2014, have prompted Shelburne Police to urge the public to take preventative steps to reduce property crime. “Like in every community,” said Shelburne Constable Paul Neumann in a press release, “property crime continues to occur and can have a negative effect on the individual victims, and the community as a whole.”

Break and enters, involving St. Paul’s Anglican Church and a home on Gordon Street, occurred in early April within 48 hours of each other. Constable Paul Neumann says, “There is a definite possibility that these two incidents, as well as several incidents in Orangeville are related, however that has not been confirmed,” and that “conducting an effective investigation requires police to keep all possibilities open.” Orangeville has had similar break-ins this winter, two of which involved St. Mark’s Anglican Church and Westminster United.

In a statement to the Free Press, Mayor Crewson said he had been “assured by the Chief and his officers that they are working diligently to apprehend the person or persons responsible for these two crimes.” Like the police, the Mayor supports the idea that “the vigilance of our citizens can be of great assistance in crime prevention by locking doors and windows of cars, homes and businesses. Also the observations of our citizens can be of great assistance in the apprehension of those responsible, so any unusual activity, that could be criminal in intent, should be reported.” In addition, Shelburne Police are suggesting local churches consider installing security systems, motion sensor lighting around buildings, as well as heavy duty locks, and be vigilant in ensuring doors and windows have been secured. The Police urge homeowners to consider similar security measures, and in addition keep windows locked when asleep at night, as well as padlocks on outbuildings.

The public is reminded that criminals look for easy targets, including poorly lit, concealed areas that are unlocked or easily accessible. The “Lock it or Lose it” campaign has been in place and promoted by local police for several years now, and yet Shelburne vehicles continue to be marked for theft.

Police ask that owners park their cars in a well lit area if possible, keep valuables out of the car, or out of sight, with doors locked day and night. So far in 2014, six youth and adults have been charged in relation to property crime and are facing a total of 13 criminal charges. Constable Neumann reports, “At this point there have been no arrests or charges laid in relation to the two B&E’s and no further B&E’s reported to the Shelburne Police since the church incident on April 18th.”

If anyone has any information in relation to this case or any other criminal activity, they are encouraged to contact the Shelburne Police Service at 519-925-3312 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com

By Marni Walsh

         

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