My Alerts Montréal, February 15, 2012 – For the first time, Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), Société de transport de Montréal (STM), and police services for cities of Longueuil and Laval have joined forces to deter theft of electronic devices that occur on city streets, in public transit, and in schools.
This combined effort taking place in the Metropolitan Area of Montréal, Laval and Longueuil is aimed at preventing thefts of citizens’ electronic devices that occur on streets or within public transit networks. Even though this type of criminal activity has not reached alarming proportions, public awareness initiatives are necessary with the ever-increasing number of electronic device users.
‘We are proud to count on STM, Longueuil and Laval partners who have all noticed a rising number of thefts most likely linked to the increasing number of electronic device users’ claims inspector Alain Larivière, SPVM Métro division section head.
Even before this campaign, SPVM officials have tried for more than two years now to convince suppliers of electronic equipment to improve safety measures on their devices to deter thieves. This complex process combined with financial considerations facing these companies is difficult to overcome. We intend to pursue our efforts, particularly with stakeholders likely to influence suppliers’ decisions, to better protect these devices.
‘Mindful of our concern for public safety, we are pleased to participate in this project to increase public awareness about this type of criminal offence,’ pointed out inspector Louise Gendron of the Longueuil police department.
‘The majority of victims are between 12 and 24 years of age. Therefore, our campaign is focusing mainly on a specific population who is sometimes victim of intimidation or violent crime. Our program also includes a second phase where other partners will be solicited to promote this awareness campaign, such as the electronic webpage of the city of Laval, Laval school commission, Société de transport de Laval (STL), and private partners,’ outlined inspector Yannik Tétreault.
Some helpful reminders to prevent theft in public transit include:
- Be aware of your surroundings; pay attention at all times to what is going on around you;
- Keep a close eye on your electronic devices because others are focusing on them also;
- Remain in well-lit open areas;
- Protect your electronic devices and do not exhibit them unnecessarily;
- Be extremely careful if you feel cornered or jostled.
SPVM community relations’ officers as well as Laval and Longueuil police department representatives will visit schools in order to inform students on safety measures they should adopt, especially with regards to heightened awareness of their surroundings.
In conclusion, the sense of security of citizens using electronic devices on the street or in public transit is a constant concern for all partners involved in this safety campaign.
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