In response to the letter by Mr. Knetsch, Shelburne resident:

You've got to be kidding me. As a resident of Shelburne as well, I read this letter of complaint in disbelief.

As a member of the emergency services community as Mr. Knetsch is, he should realize the importance of "PREVENTION."

As a past member of the local police service I can tell you that this is not a new program and was introduced and put into effect in Shelburne over 15 years ago as I was one of the officers that helped initiate it.

For you to assume that it was under the direction of the Police Services Board, well I know that the police services board does not dictate the day to day operations of the police service, but I am sure as a responsible police service board they would support such a crime prevention strategy.

Mr. Crewson was not on the police services board when this initiative first started, but I now he supported it the same way 15 years ago as he does today.

It certainly is not unusual for insurance companies to support crime prevention initiatives anywhere in Ontario, as it only makes sense, if there is a way to help educate people and keep our insurance rates down through awareness, it is money in our pockets.

The problem that arises from cars being unlocked is theft of wallets, identity theft, credit card fraud, computers, CD's and other personal belongings going missing.

As far as calling people stupid, well you have a lot of nerve calling a large majority of people stupid throughout our community. I would be one of them. I can admit that in past through my busy lifestyle with kids in sports and work commitments I have unknowingly left my vehicle unlocked and even my garage door open. I don't consider myself stupid. I consider myself busy.

It is good to know that the police are out there walking, driving, riding the bike, keeping an eye on our property. To consider being offended by the police pulling on your door handle is stupid, unless you have something to hide. It's not like the police are peeking in your bedroom window, they are just trying to prevent YOU from being a victim and being proactive in their policing techniques.

Unfortunately the police have to do this as some people feel the need to try to steal from others. To say that it is not their concern, I disagree. It is their duty to provide safety and security within our community. It's called CRIME PREVENTION.

When you get up in the morning, a little piece of paper on your window will remind you that the police are out there trying to keep you safe and that maybe you accidentally left your car open.

You are not stupid; you may not have as much time on your hands as others!

Is this really a complaint about the police or is there an election coming soon?

Mark and Kelly Taylor

Shelburne

- - o- - I am writing in response to the letter written by Fred Knetsch, published on July 30th regarding the "Lock It or Lose it Campaign", specifically with respect to the Shelburne Police Service. This campaign, implemented across North America, is a results oriented program which has been proven effective. This program provides public education, crime reduction and police visibility within our community.

The Shelburne Police Service has never indicated there is any type of statute against leaving your vehicle unlocked, however Adequacy Standards Regulations, found in the Police Services Act, direct a requirement for, amongst other objectives, police to specifically address issues with property crime and clearance rates for such crimes. We have chosen to implement preventative measures and provide public education to assist in the reduction of such crimes.

As Chief of Police it is my decision to implement such programs and I will continue to direct our officers to police in a proactive, community focused manner in order to reduce victimization in our town. In 2007, the Shelburne Police Service noted a significant increase in property crimes, mainly due to thefts from unlocked motor vehicles. In 2008, after having implemented our "Lock It or Lose It"campaign, our results were a 20.5% reduction in property crimes. Given Mr. Knetsch's letter, I am led to believe he has not considered the full financial implications of property crimes which are incurred by all citizens. I am referring to money spent in terms of investigation hours, court costs and insurance claims. More importantly, there is an impact, sometimes quite significant, to the victims of these preventable crimes.

With respect to the business sponsoring this program, I'm pleased to let you know that this is one partnership amongst many partnerships we have with local businesses for the purpose of implementing prevention programs, including our Safe Cycling Citations, Operation Identification as well as our D.A.R.E. program.

I have had considerable feedback on the "Lock It or Lose Campaign", with the overwhelmingly vast majority being very positive. Having increased visibility, with officers walking the streets during hours when most citizens are asleep and property crimes are typically committed, can only serve to increase safety and reduce crime. Most citizens expect and appreciate their police service doing everything reasonably possible to prevent crime.

Policing from a proactive approach is nothing more than a win-win situation: crime is reduced; costs are reduced; and the citizens of our good town are not made victims. Prevention works, so please "Lock It or Lose It!"

Kent Moore

Chief of Police Shelburne Police

Service