SAFETY TIPS & RESOURCES
On this page:
> Register Your BIA Contact Info
> Point of Sale (POS) Terminal Thefts
> Free Cybersecurity Training for Small Businesses
> Toronto Police Services 11 Division Crime Prevention for Businesses
> De-Escalation Training for Street-Front Retailers
Register Your BIA Contact Info
If you own a business and/or commercial property within Bloor by the Park BIA (along Bloor between Dundas St W and Keele/Parkside), please register your contact information with the Board of Management to ensure you receive important information such as safety alerts.
Point of Sale (POS) Terminal Thefts
There are a number of ways you can protect your point of sale terminal(s) to reduce the risk and opportunity for thieves to take advantage of you. Once stolen, thieves use POS terminals to process fake refunds onto various credit and debit cards. Toronto Police Services has several tips to help keep your terminals safe and secure - view the TPS brochure HERE. You can also post a sign near your entrance indicating that terminals are locked away at night.
FREE Cybersecurity Training for Small Businesses
In an age of escalating digital threats, small businesses can be both a target and a conduit for cyberattacks, risking not only their own operations but also the sensitive data of their customers, employees, and partners. Recognizing this urgent need, Digital Main Street is offering an on-demand cybersecurity course tailored specifically for small businesses. This course, presented by Mastercard, is designed to empower small businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to fortify their operations against the growing threat of cybercrime.
Course Name: Empowering businesses to be cyber resilient
Cost: Free
Take the course here: https://digitalmainstreet.ca/dms-courses/
Toronto Police Services 11 Division Crime Prevention for Business
TPS 11 Division has a Facebook Page that’s tailored with information just for business owners:
Informing business owners of crime that has occurred in a specific area
Posting trends in crimes targeting businesses (Crime Analysis Maps)
Crime Prevention material specifically geared towards businesses
Keeping you updated about business break and enter trends we are experiencing
Ability to contact our Crime Prevention Office – Arrange a FREE business security assessment
Updates on recent break and enters that have occurred – (was it a front door entry?, window entry?, what did they take?, is this type of entry happening throughout the division?)
Posting updates about upcoming online Webinars, Newsletters and Podcasts that we may be hosting for our businesses in 11 Division
And much more
Did you know you can request a FREE CPTED safety audit from Division 11?
CPTED (pronounced sep-ted) is a crime prevention approach based on a theory that the built environment influences the behaviour of people. The proper design and effective use of the built environment can lead to a reduction in the incidence and fear of crime, thereby improving the quality of life. Crime decreases if the opportunity to commit the crime is reduced or eliminated. CPTED works by eliminating criminal opportunities in and around your property. This can result in your property being a less appealing target. See brochure below for more details.
How do I request a free CPTED safety audit of my business?
You can contact 11 Division’s Police Constable Steve Moniz at 416-808-1188 or Steven.Moniz@torontopolice.on.ca to arrange a meeting. The audit is a simple process that typically takes under an hour.
How do I report an incident?
Did you know that police will increase their presence in an area, but only if crimes are officially reported?
In an emergency call: 9-1-1
To report a crime to the Toronto Police that is not an emergency dial: 416-808-2222
To report a crime anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at: 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at: www.crimestoppers.com
For questions/concerns regarding noise, litter, construction, etc. dial: 3-1-1
Looking for social programs or services dial: 2-1-1
De-Escalation Training for Street-Front Retailers
Hosted by the City of Toronto, this 2-part FREE webinar explores using supportive communication and de-escalation skills with individuals who may be displaying agitated behaviours in your business or who may be street-involved. For Level 2, participants will apply the skills learned in Level 1 to address specific challenging scenarios including verbally abusive behaviour and intoxication. Note that it is required to have taken Level 1 before proceeding to Level 2. Registration is free.