Criminal minds
Safety is something we Torontonians absolutely have to think about. Probably everybody should. But I know people in other areas of Ontario who still don’t lock their doors when they go out because, “nothing ever happens here in ______ !”
I elicit titters from smaller-town friends when I put my purchases in the back of my vehicle and pull the cargo cover over them, something I learned to do here in the Big Smoke after my Jeep was broken into three times in six months. The last time, was because I left only a lunch bag with dry Cheerios in it on the passenger seat. Some optimistic thief must have thought it was a bag full of loose diamonds or cash.
Statistics Canada reports that Toronto is the safest large metro area in the country. We reported fewer crimes than residents in other urban centres with Ottawa, Winnipeg and Edmonton at the top. We used to be the country’s murder leader, but that distinction now goes to Winnipeg. We have one of the lowest rates of violent offences overall.
So why is this happening and why do we still have a perception that this city is unsafe? Well, gun crimes get a lot of attention, even though, in most cases, the public at large hasn’t been at risk. There have been notable exceptions of course, in fact four such incidents so far this year. But they are by and large the exceptions.
Analysts say the aging population base in this city is the reason behind the drop. It seems crime is a younger person’s game. Can we not give a little credit to police as well the community groups that work so hard to keep young people busy and on the straight path? And I think you and I have a responsibility too, to stay vigilant, to report legitimately suspicious activity and to protect ourselves and our property. Even if that means making sure the brown bag with the Cheerios in it is hidden in the glove box.
July 18th, 2008 at 10:53 am
This is a great blog entry!
I grew up in Etobicoke (in the 80’s) and Neighbourhood Watch was not just a sticker in a window, it was a way of life.
It felt unnatural NOT to keep an eye out for another person or situation requiring it..
I don’t endorse rogue or overly-vigilante response, but people own the communities they live, work and play in. There needs to be a responsibility in that ownership and a zero-tolerance for those threatening it.
Our police and local services do a commendable job but they require our support and attention.
If you love and value this country, this province, this city - be a visible and vocal citizen.
July 31st, 2008 at 5:34 pm
I may sound like a tape machine when I coin the phrase” guns don’t kill people, people kill people”.
It is true, I have never seen or heard of a gun jumping out from a holster on its own or a secured gun cabinet and start to shoot away, accidents not withstanding.
Mayor Miller wants to ban handguns or for that matter, all guns. That will only impact legitimate gun owners or gun club members who shoot at targets as a sport.
Criminals on the other hand have yet to demonstrate that they will abide by any implemented law limiting their use of guns in the commision of their criminal activities.
Our police and other law enforcement agencies are doing all they can to keep our society safe, only to see the same people walking out on bail or given laughable sentences.
The existing gun law does no need any more regulations, because it has always been illegal to use a firearm in the commision of a crime for as long as I can remember. The only thing that needs to be overhauled is our judicial system.
We need competent and wise judges that will impose maximum sentences allowable under the criminal code once a conviction is registered.
We need a bill passed in the House where using a firearm in the commission of a crime will net a minimum of ten years of prison in a federal correctional facility with no parole eligibility for a first time offence. Subsequent infractions will net 20 years and of course to life on the third offence. Not too many shooters can last 30 years after a second jail term, I suspect.
That will get them(criminals) thinking, and if all else fails, bring back the capital punishment for premeditated murders.