Neighbourhood Watch poll, beach bus, DACS breakfast

Morning Coffee – By Aaron Hall

Neighbourhood Watch poll question

Some of the recent incidents in Wallaceburg has sparked questions about what the community can do to combat the property crime, thefts, break-ins and vandalism occurring in the community.

Just on Wednesday, the Sydenham Current reported on the following stories, which we are still following closely:

B&E’s on the rise in Wallaceburg

Police investigating mischief at Wallaceburg Legion

Three schools targeted, 36 windows smashed in Wallaceburg

A few weeks ago, vandals struck the new playground equipment installed at Colwell Park in Wallaceburg, tagging it with some obscene graffiti.

Thankfully, the community stepped up in those cases, to clean up the mess and to help boost the community spirits.

Sifting through some of the comments from the past few days, and based on some conversations I’ve had with local business owners, many people have brought up the notion of revamping the Neighbourhood Watch group in Wallaceburg.

Here is what the Chatham-Kent Police Service says about the community-based organizations:

Neighbourhood Watch is a program aimed at reducing crime in the community. It involves getting to know one’s neighbours and introducing them to the concept of Neighbourhood Watch – that is, good neighbours working together, alert to the potential of crime and willing to look out for one another’s interests.

Neighbours working together through Neighbourhood Watch can combat crime in their area the most effective way – before it starts. Through the active participation of citizens in crime prevention, Neighbourhood Watch provides a means of reducing the opportunity for crime to occur. Citizens are taught how to make their home less inviting as a target for thieves; how to participate in Operation Identification, making their personal property less desirable to burglars; and, how to be alert to suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods.

Very few people are in a position to protect their homes and property all of the time. Vacation, business and shopping trips, or even an evening out will leave homes unattended and vulnerable to theft. The Neighbourhood Watch program provides a sense of security for individuals or families who leave their homes for any length of time. The program helps to coordinate the efforts of the police and the community in tracking down criminals. Strong community involvement is encouraged because neighbour unity can deter crime. Neighbours joined together do help correct situations that threaten their peace and safety.

Neighbourhood Watch groups have been active in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent for many years.

Liaison Officers attend the meetings to share recent crime trends and crime prevention information/presentations. If you are interested in joining a Neighbourhood Watch group or starting a Neighbourhood Watch in your area contact the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Section at 519-352-4650.

More information about Neighbourhood Watch can be found at: www.communitypolicing.ca.

After five break-ins in the Chestnut Drive, Dufferin Avenue and Turnbull Avenue area this week, the Chatham-Kent Police Service wanted to remind citizens of a few basic steps they can take to protect their property.

– LOCK ALL DOORS. Especially doors that lead to your residence as well as your vehicle doors

– Do not announce your travel plans or absence from home on social media or your phone’s voicemail

– If going away on vacation or an extended absence, ask a trusted neighbor to watch your house and make your home looked lived-in by:

– Using timer-controlled lights

– Having mail and/or paper delivery temporarily stopped or delivered elsewhere

– Arranging for neighbours to park in your driveway

– Consider installing a quality security system with motion sensors and/or video monitoring

– Secure all basement and ground-level windows and patio doors

What more can be done?

Is having an active Neighbourhood Watch in Wallaceburg a good step?

We plan on looking into the issue some more and provide the information here on the Sydenham Current.

In the meantime, please vote in our readers poll:

[polldaddy poll=”9755241″]

‘Beach Bus’ poll results

The seasonal bus route to recreational attractions in the North Kent (Mitchell’sBay) and South Kent (Erieau) areas is getting under way. Seasonal Interurban Transit Route S1 will serve Chatham, Erieau and Mitchell Bay with stops in Grande Point, Pain Court, Charing Cross and Blenheim.

The service started on Friday, May 19 at 9 a.m. and will continue through until Labour Day. Route S1 will operate every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Fares are $5 one way for adults or $4.50 for students and seniors.

Route maps and schedules are available from your local municipal centre or online at www.chatham-kent.ca. For further details regarding routes and schedules, please telephone 519-436-3233.

We asked our readers last week if they have ever utilized the service?

Here are the results:

Have you ever taken the ‘Beach Bus’ in Chatham-Kent?

No 93.51% (72 votes)

Planning on it 3.9% (3 votes)

Yes 2.59% (2 votes)

Total Votes: 77

If you have a suggestion, story idea, column idea, or if you want to say hello… drop me an e-mail at aaron@sydenhamcurrent.ca.

Photo of the day

Weather forecast for Thursday, May 25, 2017

Today – Mainly cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers this morning. Periods of rain beginning near noon. High 17.

Tonight – Periods of rain ending this evening then mainly cloudy with 40 percent chance of showers. Fog patches developing near midnight. Low 11.

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