The Thunder Bay Police Service is stepping up patrols in areas with increased vacancies due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Businesses across the city considered “non-essential” will be closed for at least the next two weeks, and TBPS is aware this has led to concerns about possible criminal activity in these areas. During this time, TBPS uniform officers will continue to be highly visible and consistently work toward addressing these ongoing community concerns.
“We want these businesses to be aware that we will continue these dedicated patrols,” said Thunder Bay Police Service Det.-Insp. John Fennell. “Our officers are making every effort to ensure we are meeting the needs of the community.”
The Uniform Patrol Branch will receive assistance from other units such as the Break and Enter And Robbery (BEAR) Unit, Community Oriented Response (COR) Unit, Emergency Task Unit, among others.
In addition to patrols, the TBPS is also making a variety of resources available to aide businesses in crime prevention.
The TBPS website now includes a section for Crime Prevention Tips specific for businesses impacted by temporary closures: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/crime-prevention-tips-businesses
The TBPS has also produced a special Business Security Checklist. The checklist was created based on materials distributed by other police services in Ontario and with assistance and input from the city’s Crime Prevention Council and Business Improvement Area members.
The Business Security Checklist can be viewed, downloaded or printed here: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/sites/default/files/pdfs/business_security_checklist.pdf
Existing crime prevention tools may also help during temporary pandemic-related closures.
“If you haven’t already, please consider signing up for the camera registry program,” Fennell added. “So during an investigation we can know where to go to possibly obtain video of a criminal incident.”
To learn more about the camera registration program, or to register your camera, visit CityProtect online: https://analytics-api.commandcentral.com/camera_registration#/