Media Release

For Immediate Release
Thursday February 21, 2002

Neighbourhood Watch Participant Helps Police to "Bag" a Thief

Brampton, Ontario - A quick thinking Neighbourhood Watch participant in Brampton has aided Peel Regional Police in solving a break and enter to a residence in the Hollowgrove Boulevard area. The resident, who has been a key volunteer with the Hollowgrove area Neighbourhood Watch, spotted a suspicious person walking through their neighbours backyard while carrying a bag. The resident was able to provide a detailed description of the culprit, which assisted police in laying charges against the individual.

"This case is a perfect example of how Neighbourhood Watch volunteers and all Brampton residents can help police to prevent and solve crime by being our eyes and ears in the community. By helping us to catch this one individual, the resident who reported this crime may very well have helped to prevent several other homes from falling victim to this culprit." Detective Rob Rowland, Peel Police 21 Division.

Neighbourhood Watch is a community crime prevention program in Brampton aimed at making neighbourhoods safer by encouraging people to work together in solving local safety issues while protecting each other's property by reporting suspicious or criminal activity to the police. The program is one of the several community safety initiatives that are coordinated by the Brampton Safe City Association. "We're always thrilled to hear about stories like this one, because it reinforces the fact that the people who live, work and play in Brampton contribute an important role in making our city one of the safest places in the country." Paul Damaso, Executive Director, Brampton Safe City

For more information on Brampton's Neighbourhood Watch program or for ideas on ways that you can help to keep Brampton a Safe City, please visit the Safe City Web site at www.bramptonsafecity.ca. or call the Brampton Safe City Office at (905) 793-5484.

Media Contact:

Paul Damaso
Executive Director
(905) 793-5484
paul.damaso@city.brampton.on.ca