TPS Community Alert: Winter driving tips from the TPS

Winter driving tips from the TPS

Now we have suffered through first storm of the season, and for those of us that did not prepare ourselves or our cars, please see the below tips from the members of Traffic Services to help you with the rest of the winter driving season.

Equipment

Tires: whether you are opting for winter, snow or all−season tires, ensure they are in good condition, properly inflated and there is adequate tread depth.
Battery: have your vehicle's electrical system and battery level checked to ensure adequate cold weather starts.
Wipers: change worn or broken blades Washer fluid: reservoir should be filled, with an extra jug of fluid in the trunk.
Booster cables: a set of cables is great insurance to help not only yourself, but others.
Snow brush/scraper: a long−handled brush and scraper are essential for clearing your entire vehicle of snow and ice.
Extras: food, water, blanket, winter boots, gloves, hat.
Driving – avoid any unnecessary trips.
Slow down since driving slower allows more time for reaction and reduces stopping distances. Look well beyond where you are and use mirrors to be aware of your surroundings. Identify possible hazards well in advance. Drive within the limits of the environment, your ability and the equipment you have. Evaluate the need for driving, changing environmental conditions and road conditions.

You should avoid driving while wearing heavy boots, gloves and coats. Carry these items with you but the size of these items can hinder your ability to feel the controls and limit your movement.

Traffic Services is dedicated to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of traffic within the City of Toronto. Stay informed with what’s happening at Traffic Services by following us on Twitter (TrafficServices), and Facebook (Toronto Police – Traffic Services), and the blog.

Sent by members of 33 Community Response Unit

TPS Community Alert: TPS offers opportunity for more community input with online polling

To expand the opportunities for community input, the Toronto Police Service has included online polling on its website. Every few weeks, questions will be posted on various policing issues and the results published at the end of the period. Results from previous polls are also available. A new poll began on December 7, 2009, asking the following questions:

Are you aware of the Festive R.I.D.E. Program?
What measures do you take, if any, to avoid drinking and driving?
What safety precautions do you typically take when shopping?
What safety precautions do you typically take when shopping on the internet?
The TPS is encouraging the people of Toronto to visit the "Have Your Say" section on the TPS website, and provide the Service with their opinions.

This message sent to you by 33 Division Community Response Unit.

TPS Community Alert: Police request assistance with shooting investigation

For those of you that do not subscribe to the Toronto Police News Releases, please see the below News Release which was published earlier today in relation to an incident in 33 Division.

Saturday, December 5, 2009 - 11:50 AM
33 Division
416-808-3300

On Saturday, December 5, 2009, at 2:30 a.m., police responded to a call for the sound of gunshots in the Victoria Park Avenue/Finch Avenue East area.

It is reported that:

- a TPS plainclothes officer, with the assistance of other officers, was conducting a break-and-enter investigation,

- the officer was walking back to his vehicle when three men approached him,

- the officer identified himself as a police officer,

- one of the three men pulled out a firearm and fired at the officer, nearly striking the officer,

- there was an exchange of gunfire between the officer and man,

- the three men then fled the area.

Investigators are appealing to the three men to contact a lawyer and surrender to police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Constable Tony Vella, Public Information, for Staff Sergeant Brian Moorcroft, 33 Division

TPS Community Alert: Fraudulent Sick Kids Donation Canisters

Fraudulent Sick Kids Donation Canisters

To ensure your continued vigilance, please see below text from a recent Toronto Police Service News Release, which may also be viewed on the Toronto Police Service website in the Newsroom section.

Public Safety Alert,
Fraudulent donation canisters

Fraud Squad
416-808-7300
The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an ongoing fraud investigation.

It is reported that:

- donation canisters, fraudulently representing Sick Kids Foundation, have been placed at shopping malls, storefronts and restaurants
- the canisters have been designed to appear genuine
- the fraudulent canisters contain an unrelated telephone number, listed as 416-742-3715, which is in no way affiliated with the Sick Kids Foundation

Prevention Tips:
- please refer to www.sickkidsfoundation.com on how and where to make donations
- store managers and employees are urged to confirm the legitimacy of the charity before allowing any donation canister or box to be affixed in their storefront, by checking for the fundraiser’s credentials
- members of the public may want to make a donation directly to the organization they intend to support

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Constable Tony Vella, Public Information, for Detective Jeanille John, Fraud Squad.

Thank you for your continued support -
No. 33 Division Community Response Unit.