Crime Stoppers of Hamilton is ‘On the Water’

[:en]July 15, 2020

HAMILTON, ON – Hamilton Harbour is home to a vibrant recreational boating scene, and an avid sailing and fishing community. The Port of Hamilton is one of the largest ports in Ontario, the busiest Canadian port on the Great Lakes, and is visited by over 650 vessels each year. This summer, Crime Stoppers of Hamilton, HOPA Ports’ Harbour Masters Office/Port Patrol team, and the Hamilton Police Marine Unit are forming a new partnership with the debut of Crime Stoppers “On the Water” to help keep all 200 square kilometres of Hamilton’s waterways safe for everyone who uses them.

This initiative will provide the public in and around Hamilton Harbour an opportunity to help keep waterfront safe by reporting tips anonymously. The partnership is committed to protecting the community, providing safety, and fighting crime on the water.

Common crimes that can be reported, but not limited to, include:

  • Illicit activities
  • Thefts
  • Vandalism
  • Break and Enters
  • Drugs
  • Habitual Watercraft Violations

Crimes that should not to be reported as TIPS, and should instead go to 911 are:

  • In progress criminal activity
  • Impaired driving

Remember, if YOU are the VICTIM of a crime you CANNOT be a tipster. Please contact 911 or emergency services instead.

How the partnership will work for the public and boating community:
If local residents, boaters, or visitors have information regarding illicit activities that have taken place on or around the water, or any other crimes, and wish to remain anonymous, they are welcome to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestoppershamilton.com and Submit a Tip. Like the current structure of Crime Stoppers of Hamilton, the public is reminded that this platform is for tips only. If there is an emergency or crime on the water in progress, call 911.

The Marine Unit and HOPA Ports’ Harbour Masters Office/Port Patrol work to keep the waterways clear of criminal activity; however, with such a large area to patrol and protect, the public can be a valuable asset with information sharing. This partnership allows for more public involvement and the opportunity for the boating community to contribute to the safety of their peers. Crime Stoppers provides an avenue for the boating community to provide tips anonymously without the fear of reprisal or having to attend court. The offer of reward also diminishes apathy.

Signs will be posted throughout the boating and surrounding community, acting as a deterrent to potential criminals, while encouraging boaters and the public to contact Crime Stoppers with their tips. These tips are valuable and are cascaded to Law Enforcement, the Marine Unit and HOPA Ports.

QUOTES
“Today’s announcement is another way our organization can assist in keeping our community safe. It is critical that the public can provide tips anonymously with an opportunity for a financial reward. Expanding our services on the water in partnership with HOPA Ports’ Harbour Masters Office/Port Patrol, and Hamilton Police Services Marine Unit signifies a tremendous growth in our charitable organization. The tips generated by this service are essential to helping solve crimes taking place on and around the waterways in our community” – Carol Lazich, Chair of Crime Stoppers of Hamilton

“The Hamilton Police Marine Unit and the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority have been partners for many years. Both agencies work together to promote safety and security in the Hamilton Harbour and surrounding area. Today’s announcement further strengthens our commitment to the City of Hamilton by providing another way to report crime in and around the waterways. This new partnership with Crime Stoppers of Hamilton will provide the marine community, both recreational and commercial, a resource to keep the waterways safe for all to enjoy.” – Fab Giuliani, Sergeant, Hamilton Police Service Marine Unit

“We take great pride in providing a safe and secure environment for the Port of Hamilton’s commercial shipping activity and vessel traffic. As stewards of the port, we also want Hamilton residents to feel safe and secure in their enjoyment of the waterfront. By aligning our efforts and being transparent with the public, we know residents and visitors will feel more at ease while engaging in recreational activities this summer. – Vicki Gruber, HOPA Ports Harbour Master and Manager of Port Security

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About Crime Stoppers of Hamilton
Crime Stoppers of Hamilton Inc. is a community run program involving a partnership of law enforcement, the media and the community, “all working together to help solve crime”. It is a charity whose purpose is the detection, apprehension and conviction of criminals, the recovery of stolen property and the seizure of illicit drugs. Members of the public are encouraged, through the offer of a reward and the guarantee of anonymity, to provide information that may assist law enforcement agencies to solve crime.

Crime Stoppers is NOT a police organization. Crime Stoppers is a PARTNERSHIP of the community, the media and law enforcement all working together to keep our community safe. To learn more, visit: www.crimestoppershamilton.com

About The Hamilton Police Service Marine Unit
The Hamilton Police Service Marine Unit operates out of Hamilton Harbour year-round, conducting both law enforcement and rescue operations. The Marine Unit is responsible for policing approximately 250 square kilometres of water at the western end of Lake Ontario, including Hamilton Harbour and all other waterways within the City of Hamilton. Marine Unit officers are specially trained to perform a wide variety of tasks. They respond to vessel-in-distress calls and support the Canadian Coast Guard in search and rescue operations. During the boating season from April through November, the Unit actively patrols western Lake Ontario and Hamilton Harbour on a daily basis. Officers promote boating safety and enforce various statutes. To learn more, visit: https://hamiltonpolice.on.ca/about/sections-units/marine 

About HOPA Ports
As an integrated port network, the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA Ports) offers innovative port and marine assets on the Great Lakes. They are developing multimodal spaces to support Ontario’s industries and facilitate trade. By investing in high-quality infrastructure and prioritizing sustainability, they are building prosperous working waterfronts in Ontario communities. To learn more, visit: www.hopaports.ca

 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Emily Paivalainen
Communications & Community Relations Coordinator
HOPA Ports
Tel: (289) 659-8225
email: [email protected]

D/Cst. Kevin McKnight #815
Crime Stoppers Coordinator
Central Division
Tel: (905) 546-3813
email: [email protected]

Sergeant Fab Giuliani
Support Services Division – Marine Unit
Hamilton Police Service
Tel: (905) 540-5355
email: [email protected][:]

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