THE WATCH PROGRAM - FRONTENAC OPP - POLICING IN SOUTH FRONTENAC TOWNSHIP by George Hiles

The fact of life today, is that policing resources are stretched to the limit.  Our communities cannot depend on regular routine patrols in all areas of the municipality at all times.  The Watch program in it's various forms, whether it is: Community, Neighbourhood or a Cottage watch, is a proven method of reducing crime in our municipality.

There are benefits to forming a Watch program.  Neighbours planning and working together - alert to the potential of crime and agreeing to look out for each other's common interests, will greatly reduce the opportunity for those involved in crime.  You and your neighbours can make a difference and create a sense of community.  The program provides information on how to make your home or cottage a less inviting target for thieves:

If you do observe suspicious activity:  - do not confront the person, contact the police immediately at 1-888-310-1122 and await their arrival.  Take note of: the date, time & location, vehicle description & plate number, description & number of persons and the direction of travel when last seen.  The Watch program co-ordinates the efforts of the police and community.  It is important that the police are contacted as soon as possible, to ensure a cruiser is dispatched to the scene to check on the activity when it is occurring.

When out for a stroll or walking the dog, consider putting a pencil and pad of paper into your pocket.  You never know when it might be useful for jotting down that important piece of information!

WHEN YOU DO CALL THE POLICE

Have the OPP telephone number ready beforehand:  1-888-310-1122

CALL    9 - 1- 1   for POLICE EMERGENCY RESPONSE

If it is a CRIME IN PROGRESS  (e.g. burglar is still in your home or the immediate area, your call will be given a top priority.)

NON-EMERGENCY POLICE RESPONSE   1 - 888 - 310 - 1122   

To report a CRIME or for OPP OFFICER RESPONSE

ADMINISTRATIVE requests at Frontenac OPP – call 613-372-1932

ALL of the Police Occurrence Call Taking for South Frontenac Township is handled from the OPP Eastern Regional Headquarters at Smiths Falls.

Identify yourself by Name, Township, Civic Address, the name of the Watch if you are a member, and a Phone Number where you can be reached.  Relay to the dispatcher as much information as possible about the nature of the crime or suspicious activity.  

STARTING UP A WATCH

If you would like more information, or are interested in starting up a watch program on your road or in your area, Frontenac OPP would like to help.  The Community Liaison Officer will provide information and help with the set up of your watch.  The liaison officer is your community contact with the OPP for non-operational activities. 

Contact George Hiles by email: George.Hiles@Ontario.ca  or by telephone: 613-372-1932.

The Property Crime Summary for South Frontenac Township 

The liaison officer makes available to the public by email and fax, a weekly Property Crime Summary with information on occurrences reported to the OPP which have occurred within the Township of South Frontenac.  To receive your copy of the weekly Property Crime Summary, please send your first and last name along with your email address or fax number to:  George Hiles by email: George.Hiles@Ontario.ca  or by fax: 613-372-1938.  George will confirm receipt of your information and add you to our community list to start receiving the Property Crime Summary.