“PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT”

 

The County of Wellington OPP is reminding everyone that they can reduce the chance of being victimized by following some simple crime prevention tips.

 

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing in Canada and everyone needs to be educated about how to reduce the risks. Here are some simple tips that you can follow:

• Minimize the amount of information an identity thief can steal, do not carry extra credit cards, a social insurance card, birth certificate or passport in your wallet or purse, except when needed.
• Install a locked mailbox at your residence or business to reduce mail theft or use a post office box.
• When you order new cheques, do not have them sent to your home address. Have them sent to a post office box or arrange to pick them up at your bank.
• When you pay bills, do not place the envelopes containing your cheques in your home mailbox for the letter carrier to pick up. It is best to mail your cheques and other sensitive mail at the post office.
• Reduce the number of credit cards that you actively use to a bare minimum. Carry only one or two credit cards. Cancel all unused credit card accounts.
• Keep a list and/or photocopy of all credit cards, account numbers, expiration dates and telephone numbers of the customer service or fraud departments in a safe place.
• Never give out your credit card number or other personal information  over the phone or on the internet, unless you have a trusted relationship with the company you are dealing with and you initiated the contact.
• Always take credit card receipts with you. Never throw them in a public trash container.
• Memorize all your passwords or Personal Identification Numbers (PIN). Do not write them down on anything in your wallet or purse.
• Use a home shredder to destroy any pre-approved credit offers or other sensitive information such as credit card statements or receipts. Don’t just throw these items in the garbage to dispose of them.
• Watch the mail when you expect a new or re-issued credit card to arrive. Contact the issuer if you don’t receive it.
• DON`T leave your wallet or purse in your vehicle while it is unattended. 

Help Crime Stoppers Clean up Our Streets

 

In an attempt to put an end to illegal drug activity, Crime Stoppers needs your help to clean up our streets. Cocaine, “crack,” and methamphetamines are just a few of the popular drugs being sold on our streets to members of our communities and Crime Stoppers wants to put an end to this deplorable activity.

 

The use of these drugs is not only highly addictive but it can also result in chest pains, headaches,  increased heart rate and blood pressure and can cause feelings of paranoia, depression and increased aggression. Users can also suffer more serious effects such as permanent brain damage or even DEATH. 

 

The trafficking and use of these drugs is illegal and also extremely dangerous. Very often users of these drugs turn to other crimes such as break in’s, thefts and robberies to support their addiction. Other violent crimes relating to drugs can also occur running the risk that innocent bystanders may be hurt when those involved in the drug trade try to “eliminate fellow traffickers,” go after old drug debts or try to steal drugs from other drug users.  This cycle of violence adversely affects every member of our community.

 

Turning a blind eye to this type of activity will not make it go away! Crime Stoppers gives you an anonymous, safe and easy way to get the information you have to the proper authorities without having to give your name or testify in court.

 

So call Crime Stoppers if you have any information on this type of offence or ANY crime. You will never have to give your name or testify in court. If your information leads to an arrest you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.00. Together we can make a difference and clean up our streets.

 

Got info? Make the call!

1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

* Anonymous     * Confidential     * Cash rewards

 

Help put a STOP to Unwanted Illegal Crop

 

Crime Stoppers once again needs your help to put an end to illegal marihuana crops in the Wellington County area. Marihuana plants have now been planted outdoors and your help is needed to put an end to these illegal crops.

 

What Do Marihuana Plants Look Like

• bright green
• an odd number of leaves in clusters
• can range in height from six inches to ten feet at maturity
• emits a distinct pungent odour
• is tacky to the touch

Where Can Marihuana Plants Be Found

• because it needs an adequate supply of water to grow, it is often planted along the sides of creeks
• because it needs good sunlight, it is sometimes planted on the south side of fields
• near other legitimate crops (such as corn)
• along fence lines
• in wood lots

Many times illegal crops are planted on property without the landowner’s knowledge or consent. If you come across an illegal marihuana crop or a crop that you think looks suspicious, call Crime Stoppers.

 

Report an illegal crop and harvest your reward by calling Crime Stoppers of Guelph Wellington at 1-800-222-8477.