– COMMUNITY SAFETY

SAFETY RESOURCES

Practical guides, neighborhood watch resources, and emergency contacts to help you protect your home, vehicle, and community.

– PREVENTION

SAFETY TIPS

  • HOME SECURITY

Secure all entry points

Install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. Sliding doors should have a bar or pin lock in addition to the standard latch. Ensure all ground-floor windows have locks.

Improve exterior lighting

Motion-activated lights at all entry points deter opportunistic break-ins. Ensure the front door, garage, and backyard are well-lit at night.

Don’t advertise your absence

Avoid posting vacation plans on social media. Use timers on interior lights. Ask a neighbour to collect mail and flyers while you are away.

Secure your garage

Never leave your garage door opener in your vehicle. Ensure the door between the garage and home has a deadbolt. Padlock the garage door track when away for extended periods.

Install a security system

Visible alarm system signage alone deters many burglars. Monitored systems provide the fastest police response. Ensure cameras cover all entry points and are positioned to capture faces.

Know your neighbours

Neighbor’s who look out for each other are one of the most effective deterrents. Exchange contact information and agree to watch each other’s properties.

  • VEHICLE SECURITY

Never leave valuables visible

Remove all bags, electronics, and loose change from view. Even empty bags can attract smash-and-grab thieves. Store items in the trunk before arriving at your destination.

Protect against relay attacks

Store key fobs in a signal-blocking pouch or metal container when at home. Relay attacks can steal a vehicle in under 60 seconds by amplifying your key’s signal.

Use a steering wheel lock

Visible deterrents like steering wheel clubs significantly reduce theft risk. Thieves prefer easy targets — a visible lock often means they move on.

Park in well-lit areas

Whenever possible, park in busy, well-lit areas or monitored parking structures. Avoid isolated spots, especially overnight.

Record your VIN

Keep a record of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and take photos of your vehicle from all angles. This significantly aids recovery if your vehicle is stolen.

Consider a GPS tracker

Aftermarket GPS trackers can be hidden in your vehicle and allow police to locate it quickly if stolen. Some insurance providers offer discounts for vehicles with tracking devices.

FRAUD & SCAM PREVENTION

The CRA will never call demanding payment

The Canada Revenue Agency does not demand immediate payment by phone, email, or text. If you receive such a call, hang up and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

Verify before you trust

If someone calls claiming to be from your bank, police, or a government agency, hang up and call the organization back using the number on their official website.

Protect your SIN

Your Social Insurance Number is the key to your identity. Only provide it when legally required (employment, banking, taxes). Never share it by email or phone.

Use strong, unique passwords

Use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for every account. Enable two-factor authentication on all financial and email accounts.

Be cautious with online marketplace

Never pay by e-transfer for items you haven’t seen in person. Meet in a public place or a police station’s designated safe exchange zone. Verify vehicle listings through CarFax before paying.

Monitor your credit

Check your credit report regularly through Equifax or TransUnion. Unexplained new accounts or inquiries may indicate identity theft. Consider placing a fraud alert on your file.

DIGITAL & CYBER SAFETY

Keep software updated

Enable automatic updates on all devices. Most cyberattacks exploit known vulnerabilities that have already been patched — keeping software current is your first line of defence.

Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi

Never access banking or sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi without a VPN. Attackers can intercept unencrypted traffic on open networks.

Recognize phishing emails

Check the sender’s actual email address, not just the display name. Hover over links before clicking. Legitimate organizations never ask for passwords via email.

Secure your home network

Change your router’s default password. Use WPA3 encryption. Create a separate guest network for smart home devices and visitors.

Back up your data

Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies of data, on 2 different media, with 1 offsite or cloud backup. This protects against ransomware and hardware failure.

Be careful what you share online

Oversharing on social media can reveal your home address, daily routine, and when you’re away. Review your privacy settings and limit who can see your posts.

— COMMUNITY ACTION

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH GUIDES

Starting a Neighborhood Watch

  1. Contact your local police service’s community liaison officer to express interest and get official support.
  2. Identify a core group of 4–6 committed neighbours willing to help organize.
  3. Host an initial meeting — your local police can often send a community officer to present.
  4. Map your neighbourhood and divide it into manageable zones with a block captain for each.
  5. Establish a communication channel (group text, app, or email list) for sharing alerts.
  6. Register your group with Neighbourhood Watch Canada to access resources and training.
  7. Post Neighbourhood Watch signs at neighbourhood entry points (coordinate with your municipality).
  8. Hold regular meetings — quarterly is a good starting point — to share updates and maintain engagement.

Effective Incident Reporting

  1. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies or crimes in progress. Use your non-emergency police line for past incidents.
  2. Document everything before it changes: take photos, note the time, and write down descriptions while fresh.
  3. For suspect descriptions, note: gender, approximate age, height, build, clothing colour and style, hair, and any distinguishing features.
  4. For vehicles: make, model, colour, licence plate (province and number), and direction of travel.
  5. Identify any witnesses and ask if they’re willing to speak with police.
  6. Submit a report to Crime Watch Canada to alert your community, even after reporting to police.
  7. Keep your police file number for follow-up. You have the right to request updates on your case.

Running a Block Captain Program

  1. Recruit one block captain per 10–15 households on your street.
  2. Provide each captain with a contact list for their block and the broader watch coordinator.
  3. Train captains to recognize and report suspicious activity without confronting suspects.
  4. Establish a clear escalation path: suspicious activity → block captain → coordinator → police if needed.
  5. Recognize and appreciate your captains — volunteer burnout is the most common reason programs fail.
  6. Hold annual training refreshers and invite police community officers to present on current local crime trends.

— GET HELP

KEY CONTACTS

EMERGENCY SERVICES

9-1-1

For crimes in progress, medical emergencies, or any situation requiring immediate police, fire, or ambulance response.

CANADIAN ANTI-FRAUD CENTRE

Report fraud, scams, and identity theft

1-888-495-8501

CRIME STOPPERS

Anonymous tip line — national

1-800-222-8477

KIDS HELP PHONE

24/7 counselling for youth

1-800-668-6868

VICTIM SERVICES CANADA

Support for crime victims

1-888-579-2888

RCMP

Federal law enforcement inquiries

613-993-7267

CYBERCRIME REPORTING (CCCS)

Report cybercrime and online fraud

1-833-CYBER-88

MISSING PERSONS (NCMEC CANADA)

Missing children and persons

1-800-843-5678