For all you commuters who 'bike-and-ride' with transit, here are some bike safety tips to keep in mind when you lock up your bike at the skytrain station.
1) Don't. Period. The Edmonds skytrain station is NOT a safe place to lock up your bike! You would think otherwise, with all the bus drivers, transit personnel and the (occasional) transit police, but just about every bike that is locked up at the skytrain station is vandalized to some degree. Graffitti on the seat, stolen tires...We are now allowed to take bikes on the first and last carraige of the skytrain, so consider taking your bike with you rather than leaving it behind. Also consider renting a skytrain bike locker to safely store your bike if you choose to leave it behind. Contact Translink for more details.
2) Engrave your bike with your name or ID # on an inconspicuous place, preferably the bottom of the bike. This makes it easier to claim should it be stolen and recovered. By engraving it in a hidden place, thieves have less of a chance of seeing the engraving and thus less of a chance of filing the numbers off. Register your bike with the RCMP or through the National Bike Registry.
3) Lock your bike to a solid object (i.e.- no trees, wooden objects or chain link fences). Street signs and bike racks are ideal. Ensure the bike can't be lifted over the object, like a parking meter. Make sure the area will be well-light at night. Locking it up in the day time allows for plenty of ambient light, but if you return at nightfall, it should also be well illuminated.
4) Use a U-shaped lock and cable. The Kryponite brand is one of the best. The made-in-China copies are the worst, as they are easy to smash apart with a hammer or pry open. Also, Kryptonite and other high end bike locks allow you to register your bike with them. Plus, they offer anti-theft guarantees.
5) Leave as little space as possible within the "U" of the lock to make it harder for thieves to pry it open.
6) Keep the lock off the ground to avoid giving the thief leverage to hammer or smash it.
7) Position the keyhole of the lock so that it faces the ground. This will inhibit the thief's ability to manipulate the lock.
8) Remove the front wheel and lock both the wheel and the frame together with the U-lock if it's a quick-release wheel. Take your bike seat with you if it's easily removable and/or expensive.
9) Consider buying an old, cheap bike for commuting to/from work and/or the store. Save your fancy bike for trail riding or the Whistler bike park ;-)
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Saturday, February 17, 2007
The Good Samaritan Scam
Brilliant in its execution, this scam highlights once again that not all crime is violent. Keeps your eyes and ears in tune to crime and you won't find yourselves as its next victim. It's human nature to help others, but don't let people help themselves to your valuables. Watch and learn.
Streetcrime: PickPockets Amongst Us
Here's another 2 minute video capturing a sly pickpocketing scam that occurs on the streets. It's not unique to the Edmonds area, but with the influx of tourists in the summer, anyone who takes the skytrain or who simply enjoys a coffee on an outdoor patio may fall prey to this. Watch closely-it's pretty swift and takes less than 30 seconds to pull off.
Skytrain PickPockets
Here's a clever video from pickpockets at work in the London transit system. It gives you a real heads up as to how pickpockets work and hopefully will allow you to keep your senses on guard when you travel by skytrain. Don't say we didn't warn you :-)
Cat Burglars: The Long Stick Trick
Not all home invasions are of the smash-and-grab variety. Many "professional" cat burglars ply their trade to this day-and in our neighbourhood. Here's an amazing 5 minute video that highlights just how easy it is to get robbed 'silently' and how to protect yourself from this type of crime.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Grow Ops
Unfortunately, grow ops are a menace of particular concern to Greater Vancouver, and Burnaby sees its fair share too. The amazing thing is that many people have this misconcenption that grow ops are housed in homes far away from their neighbours, and run by druglords themselves.
On the contrary, grow ops have been found in the most respectable neighbourhoods in the city. Even upscale areas like Westwood Plateau have had grow ops amidst their affluence. And many of the residents living in grow ops are seemingly normal people. Familes with youngsters, married couples, etc. Sometimes these people are innocent victims of the grow op problem, renting a floor in a home that houses a grow op in the basement suite. Other times they receive reduced rent for living in a grow op, whereby they live on one floor and the grow op occurs on another floor. Their role is to simply provide a lived in, family look to the home.
Since we want to keep Edmonds as safe and trouble free as possible, especially as it develops and expands, here is a colourful look at what goes on inside a grow op, and the hazards grow ops pose to our neighbourhood.
http://www.collingwoodcpc.com/growbusters-gallery2004.htm
Hopefully these pictures drive home the importance of keeping ourselves aware of the crime out there so that we can recognize it and report it. Only then will it go away.
On the contrary, grow ops have been found in the most respectable neighbourhoods in the city. Even upscale areas like Westwood Plateau have had grow ops amidst their affluence. And many of the residents living in grow ops are seemingly normal people. Familes with youngsters, married couples, etc. Sometimes these people are innocent victims of the grow op problem, renting a floor in a home that houses a grow op in the basement suite. Other times they receive reduced rent for living in a grow op, whereby they live on one floor and the grow op occurs on another floor. Their role is to simply provide a lived in, family look to the home.
Since we want to keep Edmonds as safe and trouble free as possible, especially as it develops and expands, here is a colourful look at what goes on inside a grow op, and the hazards grow ops pose to our neighbourhood.
http://www.collingwoodcpc.com/growbusters-gallery2004.htm
Hopefully these pictures drive home the importance of keeping ourselves aware of the crime out there so that we can recognize it and report it. Only then will it go away.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Crystal Meth
Recently, a fairly large drug lab was shut down on 7900 block of Nelson Street by the RCMP. It was discovered by city workers who became suspicious when they saw steam coming out of the manholes.
The Collingwood Community Policing Centre in Vancouver has developed a Methamphetamine Lab Awareness Program. The following article comes courtesy of their fine research:
"There is a new drug menace in your community. It is called methamphetamine, and it is an illegal and very addictive drug. It is made in illegal laboratories hurriedly set up in bathrooms, basements, garages, as well as many other places in a home. By mixing common household products sold in stores throughout your city, the bad guys make methamphetamine. Mixed together, household products can become explosive and/or give off toxic fumes that attack mucous membranes, skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. Innocent people including children have died when methamphetamine labs have blown up in the past. The following is a list of ingredients commonly found in methamphetamines".
Dangerous Chemicals
Lithium
Red Phosphorus
Salt
Methanol
Sulfuric Acid
Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine
Alcohol
Veterinarian Products
Common Products
Alkaline Batteries
Matches
Rock Salt
Car Fuel System Cleaners
Drain and Grease Cleaners
Sudafed
Paint Thinners
Allergy Products
You Can Make A Difference.
The Collingwood Community Policing Centre in Vancouver has developed a Methamphetamine Lab Awareness Program. The following article comes courtesy of their fine research:
"There is a new drug menace in your community. It is called methamphetamine, and it is an illegal and very addictive drug. It is made in illegal laboratories hurriedly set up in bathrooms, basements, garages, as well as many other places in a home. By mixing common household products sold in stores throughout your city, the bad guys make methamphetamine. Mixed together, household products can become explosive and/or give off toxic fumes that attack mucous membranes, skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. Innocent people including children have died when methamphetamine labs have blown up in the past. The following is a list of ingredients commonly found in methamphetamines".
Dangerous Chemicals
Lithium
Red Phosphorus
Salt
Methanol
Sulfuric Acid
Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine
Alcohol
Veterinarian Products
Common Products
Alkaline Batteries
Matches
Rock Salt
Car Fuel System Cleaners
Drain and Grease Cleaners
Sudafed
Paint Thinners
Allergy Products
You Can Make A Difference.
"Drug dealers and methamphetamine manufactures have common habits that are easily observed. Alone, any of these activities or signs may not mean that drug dealing or methamphetamine manufacturing is occurring. However, some or several of them happening together may indicate a problem. The following is a list of common occurrences of tell-tale signs to look for:
Frequent visitors at all times of the day or night.
Frequent, late night activity.
Windows blackened out or curtains always drawn.
Visitors with expensive vehicles.
Unfriendly, appear secretive about their activities.
Watches cars suspiciously when they pass by.
Appears to be paranoid by exhibiting odd behaviour such as an extensive investment in home security.
Strange odours coming from house or garbage.
Garbage has numerous bottles and containers.
Setting out garbage in another neighbours' collection area.
If you find one, don't hesitate to call 911. If you suspect one, but aren't entirely sure, contact (604) 717-2935."
And just to keep you in the loop, here's the link for the Burnaby Now article on the recent drug lab found nearby Edmonds.
http://www.burnabynow.com/issues07/012107/news/012107nn6.html
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Anti-Graffiti Initiatives
Here at ECCW we are actively pursuing ways to eradicate our unsightly graffiti. Our research points to some interesting research on what works and what doesn't when it comes to graffiti.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) came up with a neat little way to combat some of their graffiti, and we're including the link to the full story from the Vancouver Courier article.
http://www.vancourier.com/issues04/053204/news/053204nn3.html
Hopefully the RCMP has a similar program or can work with us to develop an anti-graffiti task force. Interestingly, Det. Const. Valerie Spicer of the VPD reported in the Vancouver Courier that 'a police study in 2004 found taggers were caught 97 per cent of the time after residents called 911 to report them.'
So let's not hesitate to contact the police if we catch a criminal in the act. This is more effective in the long run, and much safer, than approaching them. Most people carry cell phones, and many people have camera phones, so if you see someone tagging our neighbourhood and can take a picture of them without them noticing, then by all means do so, but we can't stress enough that our safety comes first, so please no vigilantism. 911 is our best defense.
On an end note, many people have noticed that much of our graffiti mentions "KBIZ". If anyone knows (or has a hunch) who this might be, we are interested in hearing from you. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). The last thing we want is a gang laying claim to our neighbourhood. Perhaps this person or group of people enjoys bragging about their graffiti, in which case perhaps you or your teenagers may have heard about it. We will pursue all leads and guarantee your anonymity, so please don't hesitate to step forward and help us keep the Edmonds community safe. Cheers.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) came up with a neat little way to combat some of their graffiti, and we're including the link to the full story from the Vancouver Courier article.
http://www.vancourier.com/issues04/053204/news/053204nn3.html
Hopefully the RCMP has a similar program or can work with us to develop an anti-graffiti task force. Interestingly, Det. Const. Valerie Spicer of the VPD reported in the Vancouver Courier that 'a police study in 2004 found taggers were caught 97 per cent of the time after residents called 911 to report them.'
So let's not hesitate to contact the police if we catch a criminal in the act. This is more effective in the long run, and much safer, than approaching them. Most people carry cell phones, and many people have camera phones, so if you see someone tagging our neighbourhood and can take a picture of them without them noticing, then by all means do so, but we can't stress enough that our safety comes first, so please no vigilantism. 911 is our best defense.
On an end note, many people have noticed that much of our graffiti mentions "KBIZ". If anyone knows (or has a hunch) who this might be, we are interested in hearing from you. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). The last thing we want is a gang laying claim to our neighbourhood. Perhaps this person or group of people enjoys bragging about their graffiti, in which case perhaps you or your teenagers may have heard about it. We will pursue all leads and guarantee your anonymity, so please don't hesitate to step forward and help us keep the Edmonds community safe. Cheers.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Graffiti
Graffiti abound in the Edmonds neighbourhood and we're included some shots to give you an idea of what we are up against. These pictures are in the Byrne Creek and Ron McLean parks, as well as in the vicinity of the Edmonds skytrain station and surrounding trails. Of primary concern is our nemesis "KBIZ". Note that much of the graffiti in our neighbourhood is tagged with the KBIZ logo. Who (or what) KBIZ is and why he/they choose to deface our beautiful community is an issue that we are taking seriously.
Our goal is to eradicate the graffit, which we do not consider art, within 24-48 hours of it being reported. So it you see any graffiti, please be sure to contact us so that we can keep track of the hot spots. Perhaps you can even help us whitewash it. Sooner or later these criminals will get the message that they are not wanted in the Edmonds community.
Again, we can be reached at bby-eccw@hotmail.com
Thank you all for your help and support!
ECCW/Police Partnership
Edmonds Community Citizens Watch is committed to working with the police to make our neighbourhood a safer place to live. We have held preliminary meetings to organize our group plan to combat crime and have invited the police to attend and help guide us in the right direction. We look forward to working with them to build a safer community. For now, we'd like to share the following thoughts with our neighbours:
Many of us choose to live in this area for its quiet and beautiful setting. However, over the last few years we are seeing a deterioration of this good neighbourhood.
WHAT IF WE JUST IGNORE THIS AND WE FAIL TO TAKE ACTION?
Firstly, the volunteers who are now cleaning the graffiti will be discouraged and will likely quit. We will then see an escalation of vandalism, followed by the gangs, drug dealers and other violent criminals. Ultimately they will put an end to our security, our quality of living and finally erode the property values in the area.
Clearly some of us see that there are a number of security problems, and they are both complex and troubling. But also keep in mind that there are over 4000 people living here –we have the odds on our side. The objective here is also very simple:
OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD NEEDS TO BE SAFE & SECURE.
If you agree with this, then we encourage you to actively support and assist in this comprehensive citizen driven program. The Edmonds Community Citizens Watch (ECCW) is taking on the following initiatives:
Achieve full community involvement on all levels and calling for support from the community, the media, the police and the municipality.
An aggressive community graffiti cleaning & control program.
Inform all citizens as to what to do – safe & effective methods and approaches we can all do as individuals.
Taking back our streets & paths with increasing physical presence – Please be aware that we are not here to confront and neither is this a vigilante group. Instead we will be actively observing, recording and reporting – The police are encouraging this type of citizen activity.
WHAT EACH CITIZEN CAN DO:
Ø LEARN MORE: Take the initiative, challenge yourself: Read and learn more, by reading our materials and by going to our blog. You are encouraged to share info with the ECCW.
Ø BE POSITIVE: Having a Positive ‘Can do’ attitude is important as there will challenges and setbacks in the future. Ask questions and kindly, encourage and reassure each other at all opportunities.
Ø ATTEND MEETINGS: Come in and voice your concerns and explore ideas to deal with this situation – Learn of what to be aware and alert to, and proper steps to take.
Ø TALK: Tell your strata & neighbours– Tell them about your involvement and encourage them to support the ECCW in all possible ways.
Ø GET INVOLVED: Volunteer you skills and a little time. We ask our volunteers to put in at a minimum of 3 - 4 hours/ month. There are a number of different ways to do this, including some from the comfort of your own home. Tasks will be matched to your skills, interests and background.
WHAT STRATAS & BUSINESSES CAN DO:
Ø COMMUNICATE: Regularly send at a representative to attend our ECCW meetings. Share highlight of the meetings and initiatives in your strata minutes. Establish regular communications regarding concerns, ideas and initiatives. We encouraged communication via email and have up-to-date information on our internet Blog.
Ø GRAFFITI POLICY: Initiate a zero tolerance for graffiti on or within 50 meters (150 feet) of your building. Organize and assign this task so that all graffiti can be eliminate within 24 – 48 hours. [Research shows this to be effective in discouraging repeated incidents]
Ø INVITE US: Invite an ECCW member to speaker with your strata council and share your concerns and ideas. Invite us to hold a general meeting for free (or for a minor fee) in your building once per year. To build support we will regularly rotate our meetings through the neighbourhood complexes.
Ø REPORT & SHARE INFO:
Share your security breach incidents [Date, time, place and nature of breach] – Note that confidentiality will always be respected.
Ø SPONSOR & SUPPORT:
At this time our costs are minor: However, to deal with the growing graffiti problems we need is cleaning solutions and paint for our volunteers to use. We also need to print, copy, send letters and correspondence. Jackets and communication equipment is also needed for our patrols. Any donation is appreciated and will only be used to further our objective.
THE PERPETRATORS INCENTIVE IS OUR ABSENCE …
… OUR PRESENCE IS THEIR DETERENT.
RESOURCES:
Email us at: bby-eccw@hotmail.com
BC Crime Prevention Association: http://www.bccpa.org
Ph: 604 – 291-9959 / Fax: 604 – 291-9951 Email: info@bccpa.org
Choices in the Park – Go there and ask the shift manager for the ECCW sign up list and we will contact you shortly.
Community Police Centre (RCMP) High gate
7191 Arcola St, Burnaby. Hours: Monday- Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Ph: 604 – 656-3275
Graffiti - If it is on Burnaby City property report it to: 604-294-7440 (Engineering Dept)
Many of us choose to live in this area for its quiet and beautiful setting. However, over the last few years we are seeing a deterioration of this good neighbourhood.
WHAT IF WE JUST IGNORE THIS AND WE FAIL TO TAKE ACTION?
Firstly, the volunteers who are now cleaning the graffiti will be discouraged and will likely quit. We will then see an escalation of vandalism, followed by the gangs, drug dealers and other violent criminals. Ultimately they will put an end to our security, our quality of living and finally erode the property values in the area.
Clearly some of us see that there are a number of security problems, and they are both complex and troubling. But also keep in mind that there are over 4000 people living here –we have the odds on our side. The objective here is also very simple:
OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD NEEDS TO BE SAFE & SECURE.
If you agree with this, then we encourage you to actively support and assist in this comprehensive citizen driven program. The Edmonds Community Citizens Watch (ECCW) is taking on the following initiatives:
Achieve full community involvement on all levels and calling for support from the community, the media, the police and the municipality.
An aggressive community graffiti cleaning & control program.
Inform all citizens as to what to do – safe & effective methods and approaches we can all do as individuals.
Taking back our streets & paths with increasing physical presence – Please be aware that we are not here to confront and neither is this a vigilante group. Instead we will be actively observing, recording and reporting – The police are encouraging this type of citizen activity.
WHAT EACH CITIZEN CAN DO:
Ø LEARN MORE: Take the initiative, challenge yourself: Read and learn more, by reading our materials and by going to our blog. You are encouraged to share info with the ECCW.
Ø BE POSITIVE: Having a Positive ‘Can do’ attitude is important as there will challenges and setbacks in the future. Ask questions and kindly, encourage and reassure each other at all opportunities.
Ø ATTEND MEETINGS: Come in and voice your concerns and explore ideas to deal with this situation – Learn of what to be aware and alert to, and proper steps to take.
Ø TALK: Tell your strata & neighbours– Tell them about your involvement and encourage them to support the ECCW in all possible ways.
Ø GET INVOLVED: Volunteer you skills and a little time. We ask our volunteers to put in at a minimum of 3 - 4 hours/ month. There are a number of different ways to do this, including some from the comfort of your own home. Tasks will be matched to your skills, interests and background.
WHAT STRATAS & BUSINESSES CAN DO:
Ø COMMUNICATE: Regularly send at a representative to attend our ECCW meetings. Share highlight of the meetings and initiatives in your strata minutes. Establish regular communications regarding concerns, ideas and initiatives. We encouraged communication via email and have up-to-date information on our internet Blog.
Ø GRAFFITI POLICY: Initiate a zero tolerance for graffiti on or within 50 meters (150 feet) of your building. Organize and assign this task so that all graffiti can be eliminate within 24 – 48 hours. [Research shows this to be effective in discouraging repeated incidents]
Ø INVITE US: Invite an ECCW member to speaker with your strata council and share your concerns and ideas. Invite us to hold a general meeting for free (or for a minor fee) in your building once per year. To build support we will regularly rotate our meetings through the neighbourhood complexes.
Ø REPORT & SHARE INFO:
Share your security breach incidents [Date, time, place and nature of breach] – Note that confidentiality will always be respected.
Ø SPONSOR & SUPPORT:
At this time our costs are minor: However, to deal with the growing graffiti problems we need is cleaning solutions and paint for our volunteers to use. We also need to print, copy, send letters and correspondence. Jackets and communication equipment is also needed for our patrols. Any donation is appreciated and will only be used to further our objective.
THE PERPETRATORS INCENTIVE IS OUR ABSENCE …
… OUR PRESENCE IS THEIR DETERENT.
RESOURCES:
Email us at: bby-eccw@hotmail.com
BC Crime Prevention Association: http://www.bccpa.org
Ph: 604 – 291-9959 / Fax: 604 – 291-9951 Email: info@bccpa.org
Choices in the Park – Go there and ask the shift manager for the ECCW sign up list and we will contact you shortly.
Community Police Centre (RCMP) High gate
7191 Arcola St, Burnaby. Hours: Monday- Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Ph: 604 – 656-3275
Graffiti - If it is on Burnaby City property report it to: 604-294-7440 (Engineering Dept)
Crime Update
Hello neighbours,
We'd like to share an unfortunate article from The Province newspaper with you. It serves to highlight our need to work together to combat crime in the Edmonds area of Burnaby.
http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=f1b291f0-c72e-449d-85eb-1a292ed58fa3
Our absence on the street equals opportunities for thugs and criminals. Alone we can easily become victims. Our presence as a group makes people accountable and deters illicit activity.
We'd like to share an unfortunate article from The Province newspaper with you. It serves to highlight our need to work together to combat crime in the Edmonds area of Burnaby.
http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=f1b291f0-c72e-449d-85eb-1a292ed58fa3
Our absence on the street equals opportunities for thugs and criminals. Alone we can easily become victims. Our presence as a group makes people accountable and deters illicit activity.
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