When to Call Police
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When...
- A stranger walks down a dark street trying car doors, maybe searching for a car to steal.
- A prowler is wandering through yards in your neighbourhood, maybe looking for houses to break into.
- A car slowly drives the streets of your neighbourhood, maybe searching for a house to break into.
- A solicitor going door to door who doesn't have proper identification.
Many people hesitate to call the police out of fear of getting involved, or of being identified, or even of fear of sounding silly or over-suspicious. But the police need and want your help in preventing crime.
Do not assume someone else has already called the police.
How to Call the Police
For all non-emergency, call (604) 278-1212
If a suspect is present, call 9-1-1
When you call the police, please remember to:
Remain calm:
- Give your name, phone number and address;
- If using a cell phone, state the city you are calling from;
- Stay on the line until told to hang up.
State the problem:
- State the location of the incident;
- Give a complete description of the person(s)/vehicle(s) involved;
- Give the direction the suspect(s) or vehicle(s) are travelling.
Follow the instructions of the police operator.
Local Police Stations
RCMP Main Detachment (604) 278-1212
6900 Minoru Blvd.Steveston Community Police Station (604) 713-2323
4371 Moncton StreetSouth Arm Community Police Station (604) 713-2300
8880 Williams Road
If You Have Been the Victim of a Crime
Don't hesitate to call police because you think the incident is too insignificant or because your own carelessness may have contributed to your victimization. Calling the police is an important part of protecting yourself and of being a good neighbour. Informing the police about crimes that have occurred is one way of preventing future crimes.
If You Witness a Crime or Strongly Suspect One is About to Occur
Without putting yourself in danger, carefully note any details which might be helpful to police. These include:
- type of crime: automobile theft, assault, etc.
- location: the street address or nearest cross street.
- description of the suspect(s): note height, build; color of skin, eyes, and hair; clothing.
- unusual features, scars or tattoos, and any weapons, tools or vehicles being used.
- description of property of person(s) being subjected to the criminal activity.
- Don't try to deal with the situation yourself. Call the police - the sooner the better. But even if some time has passed since you witnessed a suspicious incident, it's not too late to call the police.
If You Are Bothered by Any Kind of Suspicious Activity
Sometimes a neighbourhood watcher turns out to be a peeping Tom. If you see someone invading the privacy of others, call the police. Such activities, either by day or night, are often the prelude to more serious ones like burglary or assault. The same goes for someone repeatedly observing your neighbourhood from a car, or skulking around the lobby of your apartment building. Call the police.
Suspected Child Neglect or Abuse
If you suspect that a child is subject to neglect, or to physical or sexual abuse. Although you might not feel you have proof, you have the obligation to report your concerns to the appropriate authorities. Most city telephone directories list on the front page the number to call when you suspect or witness child abuse. If not, call the Helpline for Children. Dial 0 and ask for Zenith 1234. If you're not sure who to call, call the police. They will ensure that your concern is properly dealt with.
What Happens to me When I Call the Police?
Naturally, the police need to know as much as possible when they deal with actual or suspected criminal activity. When you call, the police operator will take as much information as is required to be able to send police to deal with the situation. But more information may be needed later, or facts may need to be checked out, so always leave your name and telephone number with the police. You can still remain anonymous. This means that your name will not be made known to anyone. Neither the victim nor the suspect that you have reported on will know who called the police. Simply tell the police telephone operator to whom you are reporting that you wish to remain anonymous and your privacy will be respected.
Write it Down
Whether you are reporting an emergency or a suspected criminal activity you have observed over a period of time, write down any details such as the time of occurrence, licence numbers, or descriptions of people and voices. This applies to everything from nuisance telephone calls to suspicious salesmen and charity solicitations to vandalism. Your notes may help prevent harm to a person or loss of property, and aid police in apprehending a criminal.
Tip
Keep a list of important telephone numbers accessible to everyone in the household, including small children. Teach your children how to make a phone call in case of an emergency.
|
Important Numbers | |
|---|---|
| Neighbours: | ________________________ |
| Mommy at Work: | ________________________ |
| Daddy at Work: | ________________________ |
| School: | ________________________ |
| Police: | Emergency: 9-1-1 Non-emergency: (604) 278-1212 |
| Fire: | Emergency: 9-1-1 Non-emergency: (604) 278-5131 |
| Ambulance: | Emergency: 9-1-1 |
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